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One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe for Effortless Flavor - Featured Image

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe for Effortless Flavor

Learn how to make delicious One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

  • 12 ounces smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa work great), sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)*
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 8 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta (uncooked)
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (substitute with coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional but recommended)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

*If you don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand, mix 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, and salt to taste.

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes. This step releases those smoky flavors that remind me of my dad’s lentil pots bubbling away on the stove.
  2. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside. In the same pot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Add the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Stir well and cook for another minute—this step really wakes up the spices and fills your kitchen with that irresistible aroma that makes kids peek into the kitchen.
  4. Pour in the uncooked pasta and chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to stir and make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb most of the broth, cooking right in the pot with all those flavors.
  6. Once the pasta is tender, stir in the heavy cream and browned sausage. Heat through for another 2 to 3 minutes. If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle it in now and stir until melted and creamy. This step is where the magic really happens—one creamy, spicy, cheesy pot of comfort.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions before serving.

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International

Keywords: One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta, recipe, cooking, food