Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes. Any short sturdy pasta shape works well in this recipe. Fusilli, farfalle, shells, and rigatoni all hold the creamy Cajun sauce beautifully and cook reliably in the broth during the one-pot method. Avoid long pasta shapes like spaghetti as they are more difficult to stir frequently enough in a single pot to prevent sticking and do not hold thick cream sauces as effectively as short ridged shapes.

How do I adjust the spice level for children or spice-sensitive guests?

Reduce the Cajun seasoning to half a tablespoon, omit the cayenne entirely, and use a mild smoked sausage such as kielbasa in place of andouille. The dish will still have the essential smoky creamy character with significantly less heat. Individual portions can be topped with extra Parmesan and parsley for a finishing flourish that adds flavor without heat.

Can I add vegetables beyond bell peppers and onion?

Absolutely. Diced zucchini, sliced mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and corn kernels all work beautifully in this recipe. Add harder vegetables such as zucchini alongside the bell peppers and onion so they have enough time to soften. Add more delicate vegetables such as cherry tomatoes or corn kernels in the final minute before the cream goes in so they warm through without overcooking.

Cajun Sausage Pasta Easy One Pot Creamy 30 Minute Dinner

Name: Cajun Sausage Pasta The Most Bold and Creamy One Pot Dinner You Will Ever Make
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 10 oz Smoked Sausage Andouille or Kielbasa sliced into rounds; 4 oz Penne or Rigatoni Pasta; 1 tbsp Olive Oil; 1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning; 1 cup Mixed Bell Peppers diced; 1/2 cup Yellow Onion diced; 2 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth plus more as needed; 1 cup Heavy Cream; 1 cup Parmesan Cheese shredded; 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder; 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper optional; 1 cup Fresh Spinach optional; Chopped Fresh Parsley for garnish

Description

The most bold and creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta made in one pot with smoky browned sausage rounds, Cajun-spiced bell peppers and onion, pasta cooked directly in seasoned chicken broth, and finished with heavy cream and Parmesan for a deeply satisfying 30 minute weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

10 oz Smoked Sausage Andouille or Kielbasa sliced into rounds

4 oz Penne or Rigatoni Pasta

1 tbsp Olive Oil

1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning

1 cup Mixed Bell Peppers diced

1/2 cup Yellow Onion diced

2 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth plus more as needed

1 cup Heavy Cream

1 cup Parmesan Cheese shredded

1/2 tsp Garlic Powder

1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper optional

1 cup Fresh Spinach optional

Chopped Fresh Parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Slice sausage into rounds. Dice bell peppers and onion. Measure all remaining ingredients.

2. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat.

3. Add sausage rounds and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side until deeply browned. Remove to a plate.

4. Reduce to medium heat. Add bell peppers and onion to the same pot. Sauté 3 to 4 minutes until softened.

5. Add Cajun seasoning and garlic powder. Stir through vegetables 30 seconds until fragrant.

6. Pour in chicken broth. Stir and scrape up any browned bits from the pot. Bring to a simmer.

7. Add pasta directly to the simmering broth. Cook stirring frequently until al dente and most broth is absorbed.

8. Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until smooth and glossy.

9. Stir in spinach if using until wilted.

10. Return browned sausage to the pot. Stir to combine and warm through.

11. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately with parsley and extra Parmesan.

Notes

Brown the sausage properly with undisturbed contact with the hot pan for the best caramelized flavor.

Always taste before adding salt as Cajun seasoning sausage and Parmesan are all already salty.

Stir pasta frequently while cooking in broth to prevent sticking.

Cajun seasoning brands vary in heat and salt. Taste before using the full quantity.

Store refrigerated up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course, Dinner
Method: Stovetop, One Pot
Cuisine: Cajun, American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 820mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: cajun sausage pasta, one pot cajun pasta, creamy cajun sausage pasta, easy cajun pasta recipe