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One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

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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.

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.