Name: One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 10 ounces smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa), sliced thin; 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors); 1/2 cup diced onion; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (add more if needed); 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 4 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni); 1 cup fresh spinach (optional); Chopped parsley for garnish

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Introduction

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a flavorful and comforting meal that combines spicy sausage with a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s easy to make and full of bold Cajun flavors.

The dish is a creamy pasta served in a dark pan placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is tubular penne pasta coated in a smooth, light orange cream sauce. Scattered on top are browned, round meat slices, each with a crisp texture. Mixed among the pasta and meat are dark green spinach leaves adding a fresh color contrast. The entire dish is sprinkled with finely grated white cheese and small black pepper flakes, giving it a slightly textured look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

10 ounces smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa)
4 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni)
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
1/2 cup diced onion
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (add more if needed)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Slice the smoked sausage into thin rounds. Chop the bell peppers and onions. Measure out the Cajun seasoning, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and cook until browned. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
Step 3: In the same pot, sauté the diced bell peppers and onions until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the Cajun seasoning and garlic powder with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 5: Add the pasta directly to the pot. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.
Step 6: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 7: Return the browned sausage to the pot. Stir to combine and warm through. If using, add fresh spinach now and cook until wilted.
Step 8: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if desired.
Step 9: Serve hot garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes for added flavor.

Tips & Variations

Use Andouille sausage for a smokier, spicier kick or kielbasa for a milder flavor.
Add fresh spinach or kale for extra greens and nutrition.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less thick.
If the pasta absorbs too much liquid before cooking through, add small amounts of chicken broth as needed.
Feel free to swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano to change the cheese flavor profile.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a creamy pasta dish in a black skillet, featuring three main layers: a base of tender penne pasta coated in a rich, light orange cheese sauce with a smooth texture; scattered pieces of browned sausage slices that are round and slightly crispy on top, adding a deep reddish-brown color; and wilted dark green spinach leaves interspersed throughout. The dish is garnished with specks of grated cheese and small herbs or black pepper sprinkled on top, creating a textured look. The skillet rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne or rigatoni work best to hold the sauce, but you can use other short pasta shapes like rotini or farfalle.

Is this dish very spicy?

The level of spice depends on your Cajun seasoning and the optional cayenne pepper. You can adjust the heat by reducing these or leaving them out entirely for a milder dish.