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Ultimate One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta (Weeknight Ready)

A close-up of creamy cajun sausage pasta made with rotini pasta and sliced sausage, garnished with parsley.

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Make this rich and spicy Cajun sausage pasta in a single pot for fast cleanup and maximum flavor on busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound smoked sausage (Andouille or Kielbasa), sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or more, to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 8 ounces dry pasta (penne or rotini work well)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pot.
  2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in 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 tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir every few minutes.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir to combine. Heat through for 1 minute if necessary, but do not boil after adding the cream.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to control the spice level for your preference.
  • If the sauce seems too thick after adding the cream, add a splash more broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
  • You can substitute chicken sausage for pork sausage if desired.

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