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–+ servings
Creamy Spicy Cajun Sausage Pasta served with fresh herbs and spices

One-Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Sausage Pasta

This creamy, spicy pasta dish combines smoky sausage with bold Cajun flavors for a quick and comforting meal in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced Use your favorite smoked-style sausage; plant-based options work too.
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth Substitute vegetable broth to make it meatless.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Use half-and-half for a lighter result.
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 each bell pepper, diced Any color.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning Adjust to taste.
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Or a hard Italian cheese alternative.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Method
 

Cooking
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the sliced smoked sausage, diced onion, and diced bell pepper. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage browns and the vegetables soften.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Add the Cajun seasoning, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  5. Add the uncooked penne pasta, stir to separate, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  6. Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan until the sauce turns glossy and coats the pasta.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Add extra Cajun seasoning or a splash of cream if you want it spicier or silkier.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g

Notes

Use a high-sided pot or deep skillet so the pasta can cook in the liquids without boiling over. If your Cajun seasoning is very salty, reduce added salt and adjust at the end.

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