One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta: A Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner

If you’re looking for a meal that’s bursting with bold flavors, creamy textures, and hearty ingredients, One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is the answer. This recipe combines smoky sausage, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, Cajun-spiced sauce. The best part? It’s all made in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Cajun Flavor: The combination of Cajun seasoning and a creamy sauce delivers an irresistible taste.
• One-Pot Convenience: Minimal dishes and maximum flavor make this a perfect weeknight dinner.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level and swap in your favorite vegetables or proteins.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this comforting, flavorful dish.

Ingredients for One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Core Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Ingredients

• Slice the smoked sausage into thin rounds.
• Dice the bell peppers and onion.
• Measure out Cajun seasoning, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth.

2. Cook the Sausage and Veggies

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
• Add the sliced sausage and sauté until browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove the sausage and set it aside.
• In the same pot, add the diced bell peppers and onion. Sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes.

3. Create the Base

• Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the sautéed vegetables, stirring to coat them evenly.
• Pour in the chicken broth and stir well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer.

4. Cook the Pasta

• Add the pasta directly to the pot, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid.
• Cover and cook on medium heat until the pasta is al dente, about 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Make the Creamy Sauce

• Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese.
• Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy.

6. Return the Sausage to the Pot

• Add the cooked sausage back to the pot and stir well to combine.
• If using, add fresh spinach and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until wilted.

7. Serve and Garnish

• Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
• Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Why This Recipe Works

1. Balanced Flavors

The smoky sausage pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce, while the Cajun seasoning adds a zesty kick.

2. One-Pot Efficiency

Cooking everything in one pot means fewer dishes and a faster cleanup.

3. Versatile Ingredients

You can customize the recipe with different vegetables, proteins, or pasta shapes to suit your preferences.

Nutritional Information

Tips for Perfect One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

1. Use High-Quality Sausage

• Andouille sausage brings authentic Cajun flavor, but kielbasa or your favorite smoked sausage works just as well.

2. Choose the Right Pasta

• Penne or rigatoni holds the creamy sauce well, but feel free to experiment with other shapes.

3. Control the Spice Level

• Add cayenne pepper for extra heat or reduce the Cajun seasoning for a milder dish.

4. Stir Frequently

• Stir the pasta occasionally during cooking to prevent it from sticking to the pot.

Variations to Try

1. Shrimp Cajun Pasta

• Swap the sausage for shrimp, adding it during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

2. Vegetarian Version

• Skip the sausage and add mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli for a plant-based option.

3. Extra Cheesy Twist

• Mix in mozzarella or cheddar for an even cheesier sauce.

4. Low-Carb Option

• Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
• Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Add a side of broccoli or green beans for extra nutrition.

FAQ: Your Questions About One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! This pasta reheats well. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

2. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, but the creamy sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. Reheat gently on the stovetop and stir well to recombine.

3. How do I make it less spicy?

Reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning and skip the cayenne pepper for a milder flavor.

4. What’s the best way to reheat this dish?

Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce.

5. Can I use dairy-free alternatives?

Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

6. What other proteins can I use?

Chicken, turkey sausage, or tofu are great alternatives to smoked sausage.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. It’s quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.

Ready to try this delicious recipe? Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a bowl of creamy, spicy goodness. Don’t forget to share your creation and inspire others to make this one-pot wonder!

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta: A Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner

Print Recipe

Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with this One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta! Smoky sausage, vibrant veggies, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a rich, creamy Cajun-spiced sauce—all made in one pot for ultimate convenience. It’s a flavorful, hearty meal your whole family will love.

• Author: ating
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: One Pot
• Cuisine: Cajun/Creole

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Core Ingredients:

• 12 oz smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa), sliced into rounds
• 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup mixed bell peppers, diced
• ½ cup onion, diced
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
   • Slice the sausage into rounds and dice the bell peppers and onion.
   • Measure out Cajun seasoning, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
2. Cook the Sausage and Veggies:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
   • Add the sliced sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned. Remove the sausage and set it aside.
   • In the same pot, sauté the diced bell peppers and onion until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Build the Base:
   • Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the sautéed vegetables, stirring to coat evenly.
   • Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Bring to a simmer.
4. Cook the Pasta:
   • Add the pasta to the pot, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid.
   • Cover and cook on medium heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
   • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Combine and Finish:
   • Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir to combine.
   • If using fresh spinach, add it now and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted.
7. Serve and Garnish:
   • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
   • Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Adjust the spice level by adding more or less Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.
• Stir the pasta frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
• For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk or an additional handful of Parmesan cheese.