One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a delightful comfort food dish that combines rich flavors in a simple and easy way. You’ll love how creamy and satisfying it is. Perfect for a cozy dinner with your family, it’s packed with spices that give it a nice kick. Plus, everything comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This creamy pasta dish is a family favorite for many reasons. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. You can find all the ingredients in your local grocery store. With just a few simple steps, you’ll create a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy. It’s packed with flavors and comforting textures that appeal to both kids and adults alike.
How to Make It
Making this one-pot pasta is straightforward and stress-free. Start by sautéing the sausage and vegetables to build flavor. Then, you’ll combine everything into one pot, letting the pasta cook in the creamy sauce. In just a matter of minutes, you’ll have a warm and hearty meal ready to serve!
What You Need
- 12 oz pasta (e.g., penne or fusilli)
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Green onions, for garnish
Step-by-Step
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add sliced sausage, bell pepper, onion, and garlic, sautéing until the vegetables are softened and the sausage is browned.
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning, cooking for another minute.
- Add the pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cover and cook until the pasta is al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with green onions before serving.
How to Serve It
This creamy Cajun sausage pasta is delicious on its own, but you can enhance the meal with some simple sides. Pair it with a fresh garden salad or some warm garlic bread to soak up the sauce. It’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. A sprinkle of extra cheese on top before serving creates an inviting touch!
How to Store It
To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, simply warm it up in a pot over low heat or microwave it, adding a splash of cream if it looks too thick.
Recipe Tips
- Use any pasta shape you like; just adjust the cooking time if needed.
- Feel free to swap the smoked sausage for turkey sausage or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add a bit of fresh spinach or kale to sneak in some greens.
- If you want more heat, add extra Cajun seasoning or some red pepper flakes.
- Stir the cheese in slowly to ensure a creamy texture without clumps.
Variations & Swaps
- For a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausage or omit the meat and add extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms.
- If you want to make it gluten-free, swap pasta for gluten-free varieties.
- For a festive twist, add cooked shrimp or crawfish for a seafood version.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage and vegetable mixture in advance. Just combine everything right before serving. This makes meal prep simple for busy days.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! After cooling, transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for about 2-3 months, and you can reheat when ready to enjoy.
What’s the best way to reheat this pasta?
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up. You can also use the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes! You can use any variety of pasta, such as rotini or farfalle. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
You can make your own by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and thyme. Adjust the spices to suit your taste!
This creamy Cajun sausage pasta is a delightful dish that fits right into any family’s routine. Easy, flavorful, and cozy—what’s not to love? Enjoy making it for your loved ones!
One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (e.g., penne or fusilli) Use any pasta shape you like.
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced Feel free to swap for turkey sausage or chicken.
- 1 cup heavy cream Add more if needed for creaminess.
- 1 cup chicken broth Use low sodium if preferred.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Stir in slowly for a creamy texture.
- 1 piece bell pepper, chopped Any color will work.
- 1 piece onion, chopped Yellow or white onions are preferred.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh is best for flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning Adjust to taste for more heat.
- Salt and pepper to taste Season to personal preference.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing.
- Green onions, for garnish Optional for added flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add sliced sausage, bell pepper, onion, and garlic, sautéing until the vegetables are softened and the sausage is browned.
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning, cooking for another minute.
Cooking
- Add the pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cover and cook until the pasta is al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with green onions before serving.
