Pin this This One-Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta is my answer on nights when I crave comfort food with big flavor but want minimal dishes. It brings together smoky sausage, colorful peppers, and the bold spices of Cajun cooking in a creamy sauce that clings just right to every noodle. All it takes is one pot and about half an hour ideal for a cozy weeknight or casual get together. My family asks for this anytime we need a little extra flavor and extra ease.
I first threw this dish together on a busy weeknight after a long workday. Since then, it has become one of those magic meals I keep in my back pocket when I just need dinner to work out.
Ingredients
- Smoked sausage: sliced into rounds the smokiness is at the heart of the dish and I always look for a good quality brand with snappy skin
- Yellow onion: diced gives natural sweetness and depth choose one that feels heavy and solid
- Bell peppers: red and green offer sweetness and classic Cajun color look for ones with shiny skins
- Garlic: fresh and minced provides kick and savor go for firm cloves with no green shoots
- Cajun seasoning: this blend sets the soul of the dish I like to use a favorite store version but homemade is great
- Crushed tomatoes: canned or boxed adds acidity and body opt for fire roasted for even more flavor
- Chicken broth: gives richness and lets the pasta cook evenly choose low sodium to control salt
- Penne or other short pasta: holds up in the sauce pick one with ridges to catch the creamy sauce
- Heavy cream: finishes things with lushness and velvety sauce use freshly opened cream for best result
- Parmesan cheese: shredded or grated brings savory depth always grate your own for better flavor
- Parsley: fresh and chopped brightens up the whole pot and adds a final pop
Instructions
- Prepare the sausage and vegetables:
- Slice your smoked sausage into half inch rounds dice the onions chop the peppers and mince the garlic set everything aside and make sure your knife is sharp to keep the prep easy and safe
- Sauté for flavor foundation:
- In a large heavy pot heat a spoon of oil over medium high when hot add sausage cook three to five minutes until browned on both sides remove to a plate now add diced onion and peppers to the same pot let them soften stirring often about five minutes then toss in minced garlic and half your Cajun seasoning cook one minute until fragrant
- Simmer the pasta and sauce:
- Add browned sausage back to the pot pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth then stir in uncooked penne and the rest of the Cajun seasoning bring it all to a boil then lower the heat cover and simmer about twelve to fourteen minutes stir every few minutes so nothing sticks cook until the pasta is just al dente
- Finish creamy and rich:
- Remove the pot from the heat pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle Parmesan over everything stir gently until the sauce is silky and the cheese melts in add more broth if the sauce is too thick
- Final touches:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra Cajun spices or salt sprinkle with chopped parsley just before serving for color and freshness
Pin this My favorite ingredient is the smoked sausage because it reminds me of my grandparents kitchen where there was always something savory sizzling away. I still remember the first time my husband asked for seconds and how happy that made me.
Storage Tips
Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for three days. For the best creamy texture add a splash of milk or broth when reheating. I like to portion it into single servings for fast lunches that keep their flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions
Any fully cooked sausage works if you do not have smoked or want chicken or turkey. Use gluten free pasta for dietary needs. You can swap half and half for the cream though it will be slightly less rich. Spinach or kale can go in for extra veg right near the end.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this pasta with a simple green salad to balance the richness. Garlic bread or cornbread are both great sides when you want to stretch the meal. If you want more fresh flavor let guests scatter on extra parsley or even diced tomatoes.
Pin this Even after many tries this dish never fails to draw my family to the table by the time it is set down in the center. Cajun sausage pasta gives weeknights a shot of excitement and truly rewards every busy cook.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → What type of sausage works best?
Smoked sausage, such as andouille or kielbasa, brings authentic Cajun flavor and a firm texture.
- → Can I use different peppers?
Absolutely, use any combination of bell peppers to add sweetness and color to the dish.
- → Is this dish spicy?
Cajun seasoning adds bold flavors and mild heat, but you can adjust the spice level by choosing a milder blend.
- → What pasta shapes are suitable?
Short pasta shapes like penne or rotini absorb sauce well and cook easily in one pot.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Swap heavy cream for a plant-based alternative and use non-dairy cheese for a creamy texture without dairy.