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