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To make this dish, you need some key ingredients. Here’s a list to gather: - 12 oz (340g) penne pasta - 1 lb (450g) spicy sausage, sliced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a role in building flavor. The spicy sausage gives a kick. The heavy cream adds richness. The Cajun seasoning brings warmth and depth. Together, they create a creamy, satisfying meal. While the dish is tasty on its own, you can add a few garnishes: - Fresh parsley, chopped - Extra shredded cheese - A sprinkle of Cajun seasoning These toppings not only look great but also add flavor. I love how fresh herbs brighten the dish. Cheese melts beautifully on top too! If you need to make swaps, it’s easy! Here are some options: - Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter choice. - Swap in plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option. - For dairy-free, try coconut milk instead of heavy cream. These substitutions maintain flavor while catering to different diets. Experiment, and you might find a new favorite! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes. Brown it well and ensure it's cooked through. 3. Remove the sausage and set it aside. 4. In the same pot, add diced onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft. 5. Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning. Bring this mix to a boil. 6. Add the penne pasta to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente. 7. Once the pasta is ready, stir in the heavy cream and the cooked sausage. Heat for another 2-3 minutes. 8. Finally, remove from heat and mix in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and creamy. 9. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste. - Use plenty of water when boiling pasta. This helps it cook evenly. - Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking. - Check for doneness by tasting. It should be al dente. - If the pasta is too firm, let it cook a bit longer until you reach your desired texture. - If you prefer softer pasta, increase the cooking time by a few minutes. - For firmer pasta, reduce the cooking time slightly. - Always check the pasta a couple of minutes before the suggested time. This way, you can catch it just right! - Remember, pasta will continue to cook a bit after you remove it from heat, so keep that in mind. One-pot cooking is easy and fun. Start by gathering all your ingredients. This helps you stay organized. Always heat your pot before adding oil. This step gives your sausage a nice sear. Searing adds flavor to your dish. Make sure to stir often. Stirring helps cook the pasta evenly. It also keeps it from sticking. Use a wooden spoon or a spatula. These tools are gentle on your pot’s surface. To keep your pasta creamy, add the heavy cream slowly. Pour it in after the pasta is cooked. This way, it mixes well. Stir until the cheese melts completely. If your pasta is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth. This will give you a nice balance. Adding cheese at the end makes the dish extra creamy. Cheddar cheese works best here. You can also try different cheeses. Just remember to add them slowly, too. Avoid cooking your pasta too long. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and loses flavor. Keep an eye on the timer. Also, don’t skip the Cajun seasoning. It gives the dish that bold flavor. Make sure to taste your dish before serving. You might need a pinch of salt or pepper. Lastly, don’t rush the melting cheese. Let it melt fully for the best creamy texture. These small tips can make a big difference in your meal. Pro Tips Use High-Quality Sausage: Choose a flavorful spicy sausage to enhance the overall taste of the dish. Fresh or artisanal sausages can make a significant difference. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer milder flavors, opt for a less spicy sausage or reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your taste. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure that you cook the penne pasta just until al dente for the best texture. It will continue to cook slightly after adding the cream and cheese. Garnish Generously: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh flavor. Don’t skip this step for a more vibrant presentation. {{image_2}} For a vegetarian version, replace the sausage with plant-based sausage. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor. If you want a vegan option, swap heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream. This keeps it rich and creamy while staying dairy-free. You can use many meats in this dish. Chicken works well; just cut it into bite-sized pieces. You can also try shrimp for a seafood twist. If you like it spicy, chorizo adds a nice kick. Each meat brings its own flavor, so pick what you love most. Change the sauce for a new taste. Alfredo sauce can give it a creamy touch. For a tomato-based option, add marinara sauce instead of diced tomatoes. You can also mix up the seasonings. Try Italian herbs or even a bit of curry powder for a fun twist. Don't be afraid to experiment! After enjoying your meal, let the pasta cool. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This method keeps the flavors fresh. To reheat, use a microwave or a stovetop. If using a microwave, place the pasta in a bowl. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it moist. Heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway. On the stovetop, warm it gently over low heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. You can freeze this dish for later. Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. Seal it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above for the best results. Yes, you can use different pasta types. Penne works well, but try rotini or fettuccine. These shapes hold onto sauce nicely. Just keep cooking times in mind. Pasta shapes vary in how long they take to cook. To add heat, use spicy sausage or extra Cajun seasoning. You can also add crushed red pepper flakes. Fresh jalapeños or hot sauce will boost the spice too. Adjust the spice to fit your taste. Pair this dish with a fresh green salad or garlic bread. A side of steamed vegetables adds color and nutrition. If you want something hearty, serve with cornbread or biscuits. These sides balance the rich flavors of the pasta. This blog post covered how to make One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta. We explored essential ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. I shared ideas for variations and storage methods, ensuring you can adapt this dish to your needs. Remember, experimenting with flavors and ingredients makes cooking fun. Always aim for the best results and enjoy your meal. With these steps, you can make a tasty dish your whole family will love.

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with spicy sausage and Cajun flavors, all cooked in one pot.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb spicy sausage, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside.
  • In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Add the penne pasta to the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente.
  • Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and cooked sausage. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

Adjust the spiciness by using mild or hot sausage.
Keyword Cajun, creamy, pasta, sausage