One Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta

$- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta - 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 1 medium onion, diced - 1 bell pepper, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth - 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 cup heavy cream In this One Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta, the main ingredients give you a hearty base. The pasta, whether you choose penne or rotini, cooks perfectly in one pot. The smoked sausage adds a rich flavor. Cajun seasoning brings all the spice. Next are the vegetables and aromatics. A diced onion and bell pepper add sweetness and crunch. Minced garlic gives a warm, fragrant touch. These ingredients combine for a tasty mix that enhances the dish. For the liquid components, broth is key. Use chicken or vegetable broth for depth. The can of diced tomatoes with green chilies adds color and zest. Finally, heavy cream makes the sauce creamy and luscious. This blend of ingredients creates a simple yet satisfying meal. You can find the full recipe details to guide you through the cooking process. Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced sausage. Sauté it for about 5 minutes until it turns brown. Make sure to stir it occasionally for even cooking. Next, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic into the pot. Sauté this mix for 3 to 4 minutes. You want the veggies to become fragrant and slightly soft. This step builds a solid flavor base for the dish. Now, sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the sausage and vegetables. Stir well to mix everything. This step makes your dish come alive with flavor. Pour in the can of undrained diced tomatoes and the broth. Bring this mixture to a vigorous boil. The broth adds depth and richness to your dish. Now it’s time to incorporate the pasta. Stir it into the pot, making sure it is fully submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 12 minutes. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should be al dente and absorb some liquid. When the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low again. Now, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce. This is where the magic happens! Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning. Add salt and black pepper as needed. This step ensures every bite is just right. Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. This helps the sauce thicken slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness. For the full recipe, check out the details provided above. To make your dish just right, adjust the Cajun seasoning. If you like it hot, add more. For a milder flavor, use less. You can also mix in other spices like paprika or cayenne for depth. A pinch of oregano or thyme can give it a fresh taste too. If you prefer softer pasta, cook it a bit longer. Just check for doneness. You can make this dish ahead of time. Simply cool it and store it in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat it on low heat. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry. Garnish your pasta with fresh herbs. Chopped parsley or basil adds color and flavor. Serve with a side of garlic bread or a crisp salad. This makes a complete meal that everyone will love. For extra flair, sprinkle more cheese on top before serving. {{image_4}} You can change the protein in this dish. Swap the smoked sausage for chicken or turkey sausage. This switch keeps the flavor while making it a bit healthier. If you want a vegetarian or vegan option, use plant-based sausages. They work great and still bring in that Cajun flavor. Feel free to try different types of pasta. Using gluten-free pasta makes this dish friendly for those with gluten issues. You can also experiment with shapes like fusilli or farfalle. Each shape will give a unique twist to the dish. Adding veggies boosts both flavor and nutrition. Try adding spinach or mushrooms for extra texture. You can also mix in different cheeses. Cream cheese or pepper jack can add a rich, creamy taste. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make the dish your own! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. Store any leftover Cajun sausage pasta in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe. Let the pasta cool before sealing it. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. They work well for storing food. You can freeze this dish for later use. To do this, let the pasta cool completely. Then, place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy. Leftovers will last about 3-4 days in the fridge. In the freezer, they can stay good for up to 3 months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Look for off smells, changes in color, or mold. If you see any of these, it’s best to toss it. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. To prep, cook the pasta and sausage as directed. Let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can keep it for up to three days. When ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of broth or cream to keep it moist. This dish pairs well with many sides. Consider these options: - Garlic bread for a crunchy bite - A fresh green salad for a crisp contrast - Roasted vegetables for added flavor - Corn on the cob for a sweet touch These sides create a complete meal and complement the rich flavors of the pasta. The recipe has a mild spice level. The Cajun seasoning adds warmth without overwhelming heat. If you want more spice, simply add more Cajun seasoning. You can also try red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Adjusting the heat makes this dish perfect for your taste. This blog post shared a delicious Cajun sausage pasta recipe. We covered the key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for flavor. You learned how to adjust spice levels and explore protein options. We discussed storage methods and shelf life for leftovers. With these insights, you can confidently create a tasty meal. Enjoy trying different variations and make it your own! The flavors and ease of this recipe will leave everyone asking for more.$

One Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta

Indulge in the bold flavors of Cajun Delight One Pot Pasta! This creamy, savory dish combines smoked sausage, colorful bell peppers, and zesty Cajun seasoning for a meal the whole family will love. Perfect for busy nights, this easy recipe cooks in just one pot, saving you time on cleanup. Ready to spice up dinner? Click through now to discover how to make this delicious one pot pasta that will leave everyone craving more!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

12 oz penne or rotini pasta

12 oz smoked sausage, sliced (choose chicken, turkey, or plant-based for a vegetarian option)

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste for heat)

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or green), diced for added color and crunch

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth for a rich base

1 cup heavy cream for creaminess

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping if desired

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced sausage and sauté for about 5 minutes, until browned, stirring occasionally for even cooking.

Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté the mixture for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are fragrant and softened.

Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the sausage and vegetable mixture, stirring well to ensure everything is evenly coated and fragrant.

Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and the broth, then bring the mixture to a vigorous boil.

Stir in the pasta, ensuring it is thoroughly submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed some of the liquid.

Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and creates a creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.

Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly.

Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.

- Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in individual bowls, topped with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese if desired, and a few more sprigs of parsley for an inviting presentation.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6