Description
One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a bold, creamy, one-pot weeknight dinner featuring smoky sausage and a rich Cajun cream sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 14 oz beef or chicken smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1½ tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add sliced sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned.
- Stir in onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Add uncooked pasta and stir to combine.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute beef or chicken sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- For gluten-free options, use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Stir cheese off the heat to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American (Cajun/Creole-inspired)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (of 4)
- Calories: About 450-500 per serving
- Sugar: About 6 g
- Sodium: About 800 mg
- Fat: About 28 g
- Saturated Fat: About 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: About 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: About 40 g
- Fiber: About 3 g
- Protein: About 22 g
- Cholesterol: About 120 mg
Keywords: One Pot Pasta, Cajun Sausage Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Weeknight Dinner, One-Pot Meal, Cajun Cream Sauce, Sausage Pasta