One Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta

Why Make This Recipe

One Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta is a quick and easy dish that packs a punch of flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. This one-pot meal minimizes cleanup, making it convenient and delicious. The blend of spicy sausage and creamy sauce creates a wonderful balance that everyone will love.

How to Make One Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta

Ingredients

  • Olive Oil
  • Onion
  • Red Bell Pepper
  • Andouille Sausage
  • Garlic
  • Cajun Seasoning
  • Rigatoni or Penne
  • Diced Tomatoes
  • Heavy Cream
  • Parmesan Cheese
  • Low Sodium Broth

Directions

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onion, red bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until soft.
  3. Add sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned.
  4. Stir in Cajun seasoning, diced tomatoes, and low sodium broth. Bring to a boil.
  5. Add pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally.
  6. Reduce heat, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
  7. Simmer uncovered for a few minutes until the sauce thickens. For a thicker sauce, continue to simmer uncovered for longer.
  8. Serve warm.

How to Serve One Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta

Serve this pasta in bowls, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley for freshness. This dish pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

How to Store One Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it gets too thick.

Tips to Make One Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta

  • Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
  • Don’t skip the Cajun seasoning; it adds depth and spice to the dish.
  • Feel free to adjust the amount of heavy cream for a creamier or lighter sauce.
  • If you like more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the Cajun seasoning.

Variation

You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. You could also swap the andouille sausage for chicken or shrimp if you prefer a different protein.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any short pasta like fusilli or elbow pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

2. Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it altogether and add more veggies for a hearty meal.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Just cook it when you’re ready to serve. If you make it ahead, be aware that the pasta may soak up some of the sauce. Adding a bit more broth when reheating can help.

One Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta

A quick and easy one-pot meal featuring spicy sausage and creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun, Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For sautéing
  • 1 medium Onion, diced
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper, diced
  • 12 ounces Andouille Sausage, sliced Can substitute with chicken or shrimp
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning Adjust for spiciness
  • 12 ounces Rigatoni or Penne Any short pasta can be used
  • 14.5 ounces Diced Tomatoes Canned, with juice
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Adjust for creaminess
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated For mixing and topping
  • 3 cups Low Sodium Broth Chicken or vegetable broth

Method
 

Cooking
  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onion, red bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until soft.
  3. Add sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned.
  4. Stir in Cajun seasoning, diced tomatoes, and low sodium broth. Bring to a boil.
  5. Add pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally.
  6. Reduce heat, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
  7. Simmer uncovered for a few minutes until the sauce thickens. For a thicker sauce, continue to simmer uncovered for longer.
  8. Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it gets too thick. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and feel free to add more vegetables or protein.