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To make One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta, you need some key ingredients. Here’s a helpful list: - 12 oz smoked sausage (andouille or turkey sausage works well) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 4 cups chicken broth - 12 oz penne pasta - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Salt and pepper to taste Each ingredient plays a role in building flavor. The smoked sausage gives a rich taste. The Cajun seasoning adds spice, while the heavy cream makes the dish creamy. Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness. Use high-quality ingredients for the best outcome. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add in 12 ounces of sliced smoked sausage. I prefer andouille or turkey sausage for great flavor. Cook the sausage until it turns brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside. Next, use the same pot for the veggies. Add 1 medium diced onion, 1 diced bell pepper, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté these for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the onion to become translucent and fragrant. Now, it’s time to add some flavor. Stir in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Cook this mix for another 2 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Add in 12 ounces of penne pasta, stirring well. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the pasta cook to al dente perfection. Once the pasta is ready, lower the heat. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Add the browned sausage back into the pot. Mix everything well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, then remove it from the heat. Serve the creamy pasta in shallow bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of cheese for a beautiful touch. Enjoy your flavorful delight! To keep your sauce creamy, avoid high heat when adding cream. High heat can make the cream curdle. Stir in the cream slowly after reducing the heat. This helps keep it smooth. For the best melt, use sharp cheddar cheese. It adds great flavor and creaminess. Other good choices include Monterey Jack or Gouda. Both melt well and enhance the dish. Cajun seasoning can be strong. Start with one teaspoon and taste. If you want more heat, add a bit more. You can also try adding red pepper flakes or cayenne for an extra kick. These spices boost heat without changing the dish too much. To cut down on washing dishes, use one pot for everything. Cook the sausage first, then use the same pot for the veggies and pasta. This keeps the flavors together. Time is key, so add each ingredient in the right order. Start with the sausage, then the veggies, and finish with pasta and sauce. This helps everything cook evenly and saves you time. {{image_2}} You can switch out the smoked sausage for other proteins. Chicken works great in this dish. Simply use diced chicken breast and cook it until golden. If you prefer seafood, shrimp is also a tasty option. Just add the shrimp a few minutes before the pasta is done. For a vegetarian twist, use plant-based sausage or chickpeas. These options keep the dish hearty without meat. While this recipe calls for penne, you can use other pasta shapes. Bowtie, fusilli, or rotini can work well too. Keep in mind that different pasta types may need different cooking times. Always check the package for the right cooking time. You want the pasta to be tender, but not mushy. To elevate the taste, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or basil. These herbs give a fresh aroma and flavor. You can also play with spices. Adding a pinch of cayenne can increase the heat. Another tip is to use fire-roasted tomatoes instead of regular ones. They add a smoky flavor that pairs well with Cajun seasoning. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool first. Place it in a container with a tight lid. I recommend glass or BPA-free plastic containers. They keep the dish fresh. Make sure to eat leftovers within three to four days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. You can freeze this dish if you want to keep it longer. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for about three months. For best taste, avoid freezing the dish with dairy added. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. In the fridge, expect the creamy Cajun sausage pasta to last for three to four days. The signs of spoilage include a sour smell and any mold. If you see any, toss it out. Keeping track of storage time helps prevent food waste. Yes, you can! This one-pot creamy Cajun sausage pasta is great for meal prep. Cook it and let it cool. Store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat it in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth if it seems too thick. Stir often until it's warm. If you want a lighter option, consider using half-and-half or whole milk. For dairy-free options, try coconut milk or cashew cream. Both will add creaminess and flavor. You may need to adjust seasoning to balance the taste. To add more heat, increase the Cajun seasoning. You can also add red pepper flakes or hot sauce. For a fresh kick, chop some fresh jalapeños and stir them in. Taste as you go to find the right spice level for you! This recipe covers every step to make a tasty pasta dish with smoked sausage. You learned about the key ingredients and how to prepare them. I shared tips for creaminess, adjusting spice, and making it a quick one-pot meal. Plus, I explained variations and storage methods. Experiment with herbs or swap proteins to make it your own. Enjoy cooking and tasting the great flavors!

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Elevate your dinner with this One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta recipe! Packed with smoky sausage, vibrant veggies, and rich creaminess, this easy dish is perfect for any night of the week. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, you'll enjoy a flavorful meal in no time. Don't miss out on this delicious recipe—click to explore the full instructions and treat yourself to a comforting, satisfying dinner tonight!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz smoked sausage, sliced (such as andouille or turkey sausage)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or green), diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

4 cups chicken broth

12 oz penne pasta

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside.

    In the same pot, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

      Stir in the cherry tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika, cooking for another 2 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.

        Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in the penne pasta, then cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.

          Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy.

            Add the cooked sausage back into the pot, mixing until everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

              Allow to cook for another 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy pasta in shallow bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of cheese on top for an elegant touch.

                  Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4-6