Make this rich, spicy, and creamy Cajun sausage pasta in a single pot for quick cleanup. This recipe delivers bold, satisfying flavor perfect for a fast weeknight dinner.
Author:Sarah Peterson
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:35 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Cajun
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound smoked andouille sausage, sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or more to taste)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 ounces dry pasta (penne or rotini work well)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Slice the smoked sausage into rounds. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until lightly browned, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the same pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), Cajun seasoning, oregano, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Add the dry pasta to the boiling liquid. Stir well to prevent sticking. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer according to the pasta package directions, usually 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir to combine. Heat through for 1 to 2 minutes. Taste and add salt if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley. This dish is a great alternative to complex meal planning when you need fast flavor.
Notes
Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the spice level. For a milder dish, use less seasoning.
If you prefer a different protein, substitute the sausage with sliced smoked chicken or shrimp. This recipe works well with many quick dinner options.
For a richer sauce, you can add 2 ounces of cream cheese along with the heavy cream.