Make this creamy Cajun sausage pasta in a single pot for a flavorful, easy weeknight dinner that minimizes cleanup.
Author:purejoyalex
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:35 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Cajun-Inspired
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound smoked sausage (Andouille or Kielbasa), sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning blend
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces penne or rotini pasta
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the sausage and set it aside.
Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the same pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice) and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add the dry pasta to the pot. Stir well to prevent sticking. Cover the pot, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook according to the pasta package directions, usually 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is nearly tender.
Stir in the heavy cream and the cooked sausage. Continue to simmer gently, uncovered, for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Taste the pasta and add salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a less spicy dish, reduce the Cajun seasoning to 1 tablespoon.
If you are interested in structured eating, this recipe fits well with general meal planning strategies.
If you want to try cooking with precise temperature control, consider using a sous-vide precision cooker for other components of your meal, though this pasta is best made on the stovetop.