Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta (One Pot)
**Introduction**
Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a hearty and explosively flavorful one-pot wonder that delivers restaurant-quality taste with unparalleled ease. This dish brings the bold, smoky, and slightly spicy notes of Cajun seasoning together with savory sausage and tender pasta, all enveloped in a luxuriously creamy sauce. The true magic is in the method: the pasta cooks directly in the pot with the other ingredients, absorbing all the rich flavors and releasing its starch to create a sauce that clings perfectly to every bite. It is the ultimate solution for a busy weeknight when you crave a comforting, satisfying meal without the towering stack of dirty pots and pans. Anyone who loves big flavor and minimal cleanup needs this recipe in their arsenal.
**Perfect for:**
Busy Weeknight Dinners
Comfort Food Cravings
Feeding a Crowd
Meal Prepping
Quick and Impressive Entertaining
**Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe**
**One-Pot Wonder:** Everything from the sausage to the pasta cooks in a single pot, making preparation simple and cleanup an absolute dream.
**Bold and Complex Flavor:** The Cajun seasoning, seared sausage, and creamy sauce base create a depth of flavor that is smoky, savory, and perfectly spiced.
**Incredibly Customizable:** Easily adjust the spice level, add your favorite vegetables, or swap the protein to make this dish your own.
**Crowd-Pleasing Comfort:** This is a universally loved dish that is guaranteed to satisfy both family and guests with its rich, comforting character.
**Preparation and Cooking Time**
Total Time: 35 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 550-600 calories
**Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Estimate):**
**Calories:** 550-600 kcal
**Protein:** 22g
**Carbohydrates:** 52g
**Fat:** 28g
**Fiber:** 3g
**Sugar:** 6g
**Nutritional Disclaimer**
aileenecipes is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
**Ingredients**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 lb (450g) Andouille sausage or smoked sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
* 1 medium yellow onion, diced
* 1 red bell pepper, diced
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning blend
* 1 can (14.5 oz / 410g) diced tomatoes, undrained
* 4 cups (1 liter) low-sodium chicken broth
* 1 lb (450g) penne pasta, or other short pasta like rigatoni
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
* 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
* Salt and black pepper, to taste
* 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
**Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. **Brown the Sausage:** In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. **Sauté the Vegetables:** In the same pot with the sausage drippings, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. **Deglaze and Combine:** Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Bring the liquid to a boil.
4. **Add Pasta and Sausage:** Stir in the uncooked penne pasta and the reserved browned sausage. Return the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a steady simmer.
5. **Cook the Pasta:** Cook, uncovered, for 12-15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
6. **Create the Cream Sauce:** Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and the shredded Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
7. **Wilt the Spinach:** Add the chopped spinach to the pot and stir until it has wilted into the sauce, about 2 minutes.
8. **Final Seasoning:** Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. The Cajun seasoning and Parmesan are salty, so taste first.
9. **Garnish and Serve:** Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
**How to Serve Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta**
* **As a Complete Main Course:** Serve generous portions in shallow bowls with a side of crusty garlic bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
* **With a Fresh Salad:** Balance the richness of the pasta with a simple arugula salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette.
* **Topped with Fresh Herbs:** A final sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a burst of color and freshness.
* **For a Potluck:** This dish is easy to transport and stays warm well, making it a perfect contribution to any gathering.
**Additional Tips for Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta**
* Do not skip browning the sausage. This step builds a crucial flavor foundation in the pot.
* Stir the pasta frequently as it simmers to ensure it cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom.
* If the sauce becomes too thick before the pasta is cooked, add a splash more chicken broth or water.
* For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.
**Recipe Variations of Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta**
* **Chicken Version:** Substitute the sausage with 1 lb of cubed, boneless chicken breast or thigh. Brown the chicken first, then proceed with the recipe.
* **Spicy Version:** Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño with the bell peppers to amplify the heat.
* **Seafood Version:** Add 1 lb of raw, large shrimp (peeled and deveined) in the last 5 minutes of cooking, just until they turn pink and opaque.
**Freezing and Storage for Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta**
**Storage:** Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
**Freezing:** Freezing is possible but not ideal, as creamy sauces can separate upon thawing. If freezing, expect a change in texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
**FAQ Section about Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta**
**My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?**
Let the pasta sit off the heat for 5-10 minutes; it will continue to absorb liquid. Alternatively, simmer for a few more minutes uncovered. If still too thin, create a quick slurry with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water, then stir it into the simmering pasta until thickened.
**Can I use a different type of pasta?**
Yes, any short pasta with ridges or tubes works well, such as rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti.
**How can I make this dish less spicy?**
Use a mild smoked sausage instead of Andouille and reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning by half, tasting and adjusting at the end.
**Conclusion of Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe**
Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is the definitive answer to the question of how to achieve maximum flavor with minimal effort. This one-pot recipe streamlines the cooking process without sacrificing an ounce of the deep, smoky, and comforting taste that makes Cajun-inspired cuisine so beloved. From the seared