Description
A flavorful and easy one-pot creamy Cajun sausage pasta that combines smoky sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting dish packs a punch with Cajun seasoning and is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Sausage and Pasta
- 10 ounces smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa), sliced into thin rounds
- 4 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni)
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Liquids and Cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth (add more if needed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Slice the smoked sausage into thin rounds, chop the bell peppers and onions, and measure out Cajun seasoning, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese to have everything ready before cooking.
- Cook the Sausage and Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Sauté the sliced sausage until nicely browned, then remove it from the pot. In the same pot, cook the diced bell peppers and onions until softened and fragrant.
- Create the Base: Add the Cajun seasoning to the sautéed vegetables and stir well to coat them evenly. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer to meld the flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta directly into the simmering broth mixture. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking, and cook until the pasta is al dente, absorbing the flavorful broth.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese, allowing the cheese to melt completely and create a rich, creamy sauce. If using, add fresh spinach and let it wilt into the sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Return the browned sausage to the pot and mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Season with salt, pepper, and optional cayenne pepper to taste. Serve the creamy Cajun sausage pasta garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- For extra spice, add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute smoked sausage with kielbasa or any preferred smoked sausage.
- Fresh spinach is optional but adds a nice color and nutrition boost.
- If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or cream to adjust consistency.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free friendly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
