One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
A rich and flavorful one-pot pasta dish made with smoky sausage, Cajun spices, creamy sauce, and tender pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with bold Southern-inspired flavors.
Equipment
- large skillet or pot
- cutting board
- knife
- measuring cups
- wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 10 oz smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa), sliced
- 4 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
- chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Slice the smoked sausage into thin rounds. Chop the bell peppers and onions. Measure Cajun seasoning, cream, and cheese.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot and sauté the sausage until browned. Remove sausage and cook bell peppers and onions in the same pot.
- Add Cajun seasoning to the vegetables, pour in chicken broth, and bring to a simmer.
- Add pasta to the pot and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted. Return sausage to the pot and mix well.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Add black pepper or cayenne for extra spice.
- Serve hot and garnish with parsley, Parmesan, or red pepper flakes.
Notes
Adjust spice level with cayenne pepper to taste. You can substitute kale for spinach or use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version. Add extra broth if pasta absorbs too much liquid.