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One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

A close-up of a bowl of creamy cajun sausage pasta featuring penne, sliced sausage, and fresh parsley garnish.

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Make this easy, creamy Cajun sausage pasta in just one pot for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner. This recipe uses smoky andouille sausage and bold Cajun spices for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound smoked andouille sausage, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or more, to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 12 ounces dried penne or rotini pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pot.
  2. Add the olive oil to the pot. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Add the dry pasta to the boiling liquid. Stir well to prevent sticking. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally during cooking.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream and the cooked sausage. Heat through for 2 to 3 minutes, but do not let it boil once the cream is added.
  7. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  8. Taste the pasta and add salt and black pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For a less spicy dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or omit the cayenne pepper.
  • You can substitute andouille sausage with smoked Kielbasa sausage if preferred.
  • If you want a thicker sauce, let the pasta simmer uncovered for the last 5 minutes of cooking time.

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