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One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Close-up of creamy cajun sausage pasta with penne noodles and sliced sausage in a dark skillet.

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Make this easy, flavorful Cajun Sausage Pasta in a single pot. This recipe delivers a rich, creamy sauce with a satisfying kick, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound smoked sausage (Andouille or Kielbasa), sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or more for extra heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups uncooked penne or rotini pasta
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Slice the smoked sausage into rounds. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
  2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, thyme, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Add the uncooked pasta to the boiling liquid. Stir well to prevent sticking.
  6. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally.
  7. Stir in the heavy cream and the cooked sausage. Heat through for 2 minutes, but do not boil after adding the cream.
  8. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  9. Taste and add salt if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For a spicier dish, use Andouille sausage and increase the Cajun seasoning to 1 1/2 teaspoons.
  • If you prefer chicken sausage, use a smoked chicken sausage variety for similar flavor depth.
  • If the sauce seems too thick after adding the cheese, stir in a splash of milk or extra broth until you reach your desired consistency.

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