One-Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Sausage Pasta
A quick and flavorful one-pot meal featuring smoky sausage, creamy sauce, and tender penne pasta, enriched with Cajun spices and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced Use smoked turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced or diced
- 1 bell pepper sliced or diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce & Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta, uncooked Any short pasta works, cooking time may vary.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes Use with juices.
- 2 cups chicken broth Low-sodium broth recommended.
- 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter version, try half-and-half.
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust to taste.
To Serve
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the sliced smoked sausage, onion, and bell pepper. Sauté until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Cooking
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with juices, chicken broth, heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Stir in the uncooked penne pasta and lower the heat to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender, about 10–12 minutes.
- If the sauce thickens too quickly, add a splash of broth or water as needed.
- Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
Great for leftovers and meal-prepping. Leftovers reheat well. Serve with a green salad or garlic bread.