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- 12 oz penne pasta - 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced - 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz) - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley for garnish Gather these ingredients before you start. Each one adds a layer of flavor. The penne pasta gives a nice bite. Smoked sausage brings a deep, rich taste. Onions and garlic add sweetness and warmth. The bell pepper adds color and crunch. Diced tomatoes bring a juicy tang. Chicken broth makes the dish savory. Heavy cream creates that creamy texture we love. Cajun seasoning is a must for that kick. Paprika adds depth. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance each flavor. You’ll need olive oil for cooking. Parmesan cheese adds a salty finish. Fresh parsley gives a vibrant touch when you serve it. Having everything ready will make your cooking smooth and fun. 1. Sautéing the sausage Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 pound of sliced smoked sausage to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the sausage turns brown. Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside. 2. Cooking the vegetables In the same pot, add 1 diced medium onion and 1 diced bell pepper. Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the pot as well. Cook these vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until they soften. 3. Adding seasonings and liquids Stir in 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Cook for another minute to let the flavors bloom. Now, add 1 can of diced tomatoes and 2 cups of chicken broth. Toss in 12 ounces of penne pasta and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil. 1. Incorporating the pasta Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is al dente. 2. Mixing in cream and cheese After the pasta is cooked, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Add the cooked sausage back into the pot. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through. Fold in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese next. Adjust the flavor with salt and pepper to taste. 3. Garnishing before serving Before serving, sprinkle 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley on top. This adds a nice touch and fresh flavor. Enjoy your creamy, spicy, and delicious dish! Choosing the right pasta I love using penne pasta for this dish. Its shape holds the sauce well. You can also try rotini or fusilli. They both work nicely with creamy sauces. How to avoid mushy pasta To keep pasta from getting mushy, watch the cooking time. Cook it until it's al dente, which means it has a slight bite. Stir often while it simmers. This helps it cook evenly. Additional spices and herbs For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. It gives a nice kick! Fresh thyme or basil also adds depth. Try adding these herbs when you mix in the cream. Best toppings for serving I recommend topping your pasta with grated Parmesan cheese. It melts nicely and adds a rich flavor. Fresh parsley is great for color and taste. You can also add crushed red pepper flakes for more heat. {{image_2}} You can switch up the sausage to match your taste. Try turkey sausage for a lighter option. Chicken sausage also works well. For a spicy kick, go for a hot sausage. If you want a meat-free dish, you can use plant-based sausage. It adds great flavor and keeps it creamy. Another option is to add beans for protein. Black beans or chickpeas work nicely. You can make this dish in an Instant Pot for a quick meal. Set it to high pressure for about 5 minutes. Use the sauté function to cook the sausage and veggies first. Then, add the rest of the ingredients. Follow with a quick release. If you prefer oven-baked pasta, you can try that too. Mix all the ingredients in a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes. Remove the foil and add cheese for the last 10 minutes. This gives a nice crispy top. To store leftovers, first let the pasta cool down. Transfer it to an airtight container. Place the container in the fridge. It can last for about 3 to 4 days. When ready to eat, reheat it in a pot over low heat. You can add a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive its creamy texture. Freezing pasta dishes can be simple. Allow the pasta to cool completely before freezing. Portion it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It is best to eat frozen pasta within 2 to 3 months for the best taste. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Heat gently on the stove, adding a bit of extra cream or broth to keep it creamy. How do you make One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta healthier? You can make this dish healthier by using whole grain pasta. Swap heavy cream for light cream or milk. Use turkey sausage instead of smoked sausage for less fat. You can add more vegetables, like spinach or zucchini, for extra nutrients. These changes keep the flavor while boosting health benefits. Can I use other types of pasta? Yes, you can use various pasta shapes! Short pasta like rotini or farfalle works well. You can also try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed. Cooking times may vary slightly, so check the package for guidance. Remember, the key is to cook the pasta until it is just right. What side dishes pair well with this meal? This creamy pasta goes great with a fresh salad. A Caesar or mixed greens salad adds crunch. Garlic bread is another tasty side that complements the meal. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for a healthy touch. These sides balance the richness of the pasta nicely. This blog post covered all you need for a tasty Cajun sausage pasta. I shared the key ingredients and gave you a clear step-by-step method for cooking. Cooking tips and variations help you adjust the recipe to fit your taste. Storing leftovers and answers to common questions make this meal easy to enjoy anytime. Now, you can create a delicious dish that feels special, yet simple. Enjoy experimenting and sharing this yummy recipe with others!

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Indulge in a delightful twist with One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta! This easy recipe combines tender penne pasta, savory smoked sausage, and a rich, creamy sauce infused with Cajun spices, all cooked in just one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is bursting with flavor and satisfaction. Ready to impress your family? Click to explore this mouthwatering recipe that promises a tasty meal in just 30 minutes!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz penne pasta

1 lb smoked sausage, sliced

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and sauté until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside.

    In the same pot, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables have softened, about 3-4 minutes.

      Stir in the Cajun seasoning and paprika, cooking for another minute to release the flavors.

        Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), chicken broth, and penne pasta to the pot. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.

          Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.

            Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and cooked sausage. Let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes until heated through and creamy.

              Remove from heat and fold in the grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

                Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

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