Why You’ll Love One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is full of flavor and incredibly easy to make. The combination of Cajun seasoning, sausage, and creamy sauce creates a rich, hearty dish that’s sure to please your taste buds. The best part? You cook everything in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is the perfect solution for busy nights when you want a comforting, satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 pound Italian sausage (either spicy or mild, based on preference), casings removed
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1 small onion, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 pound penne pasta (or your choice of pasta)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
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Add the sausage to the pot and break it up with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
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Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is softened and fragrant.
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Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for another 1 minute to toast the spices.
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Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and heavy cream, stirring well to combine.
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Add the pasta to the pot and make sure it’s submerged in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
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Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Stir in the Parmesan cheese, if using, for extra creaminess and flavor.
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Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: 5 minutes
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Cook time: 25 minutes
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Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Vegetarian Version: Replace the sausage with a plant-based protein such as vegetarian sausage or mushrooms for a meatless option.
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Add Vegetables: Throw in some bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for added texture and nutrition.
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Spicy Cajun Pasta: Increase the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes for more heat.
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Cheesy Cajun Sausage Pasta: Add extra cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, into the sauce for a cheesy twist.
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Chicken or Shrimp: Swap the sausage for grilled chicken or shrimp for a different protein.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta, such as fettuccine, rigatoni, or spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.
2. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! You can use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even chorizo if you want a more intense, smoky flavor.
3. Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe has a mild heat due to the Cajun seasoning and optional red pepper flakes. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less Cajun seasoning to suit your taste.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop with a little extra cream or broth to maintain its creaminess.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this dish can be frozen. Store the cooled pasta in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
6. Can I use light cream or milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can use light cream or milk, but the sauce may not be as rich and creamy as when using heavy cream. You can also use a combination of milk and a bit of butter to get a creamier texture.
7. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can make this dish dairy-free by using coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute, and omitting the Parmesan cheese.
8. Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Sauté them with the onion and garlic for added flavor and texture.
9. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Brown the sausage and sauté the onion and garlic first, then combine all ingredients (except for the pasta) in the slow cooker. Add the pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking, and cook until the pasta is tender.
10. How do I make this dish less creamy?
If you’d like a lighter version, reduce the amount of heavy cream or replace some of it with chicken broth. You can also skip the cheese for a less rich texture.
Conclusion
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines hearty sausage, rich cream, and spicy Cajun seasoning in a single pot. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight meal when you’re short on time but want something satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or enjoying it as a quick meal for one, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!
One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner! Packed with spicy Cajun flavors, creamy sauce, and savory sausage, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy evenings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta
- Method: One Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) smoked sausage or Italian sausage, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine works well)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: In a large pot or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set it aside.
- Sauté the veggies: In the same pot, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Season: Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to coat the veggies in the spices.
- Cook the pasta: Add the chicken broth and heavy cream to the pot. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the liquid has thickened into a creamy sauce.
- Finish the dish: Once the pasta is cooked, return the sausage to the pot. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for another 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute smoked sausage with Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or any sausage you prefer.
- For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- To make it even spicier, adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a dash of hot sauce.
- This dish is great for meal prep! Just store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
