There’s something incredibly comforting about one pot meals, isn’t there? They’re like a warm hug after a long day, and my one pot creamy cajun sausage pasta just takes that comfort to a whole new level! The rich, spicy flavors blend seamlessly, and the fact that everything cooks in one pot means less cleanup, which is always a win in my book. I still remember the first time I made this dish for my family; the aroma filled the kitchen, and my kids couldn’t wait to dig in! We all gathered around the table, savoring each creamy bite while sharing stories about our day. It quickly became a family favorite, and I bet it’ll find a special place in your heart too!
Ingredients List
- 12 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color you prefer)
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning (adjust to your spice preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese (for that creamy finish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Prepare One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
Ready to dive into this delicious dish? Let’s get cooking! This one pot creamy cajun sausage pasta is super simple, and I promise it’ll be a hit at your table. Here’s how to make it step by step:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it nice and hot but not smoking—just enough to get things sizzling!
- Once the oil is warm, toss in the sliced smoked sausage. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s beautifully browned and has released its delicious juices. Oh, the smell is heavenly!
- Next, add in your diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper. Cook these veggies until they soften up, around 3-4 minutes. Stir it all together; you’ll want those flavors to mingle.
- Now, pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of cajun seasoning, and don’t forget to season with a little salt and pepper! Bring everything to a rolling boil—it’s time for the magic to happen!
- Once boiling, add your uncooked penne pasta to the pot. Give it a good stir, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- When the pasta is cooked to perfection, stir in 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese. This is where it gets creamy and dreamy! Mix well until the cheese melts and everything is combined.
- Finally, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving, and there you have it—your hearty, flavorful, one pot meal is ready to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 30 minutes!
- One pot means less cleanup, which is a huge bonus.
- Rich, creamy flavors that pack a delicious punch.
- Filling and satisfying, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable spice level—make it as mild or as fiery as you like!
- Kid-approved and family-friendly, everyone will want seconds!
Tips for Success
To make your one pot creamy cajun sausage pasta truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t rush the browning of the sausage; that caramelization adds so much flavor to the dish. If you want to switch things up, feel free to use different proteins like chicken or shrimp, or even a vegetarian sausage for a meatless option.
Also, when it comes to the cajun seasoning, start with a little and add more if you like it spicier—everyone’s heat preference is different! And if you have time, let the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking; it thickens up beautifully. Lastly, don’t skip the fresh parsley garnish; it brightens the dish and adds a lovely pop of color. Trust me, these little details can take your meal from good to absolutely fantastic!
Nutritional Information
When you’re enjoying this one pot creamy cajun sausage pasta, it’s good to know what you’re savoring! Each serving is estimated to contain around 600 calories, with 30 grams of fat and 25 grams of protein. You’ll also get about 60 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of fiber. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. So, if you’re tracking your intake, consider adjusting based on your chosen sausage or pasta brand. Enjoy your delicious meal with confidence!
FAQ Section
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about my one pot creamy cajun sausage pasta that might help you out:
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in chicken sausage, turkey, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian twist. They all work wonderfully!
How do I store leftovers?
Simply place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave; add a splash of broth or cream if it’s too thick.
What can I serve with this dish?
A simple green salad or some garlic bread pairs beautifully with this pasta. You could also serve it alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare it ahead and reheat when ready to serve. Just be mindful that it may thicken a bit, so adding a little extra cream or broth when reheating can help!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your one pot creamy cajun sausage pasta, consider serving it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. The freshness balances the rich flavors perfectly! You might also want to whip up some garlic bread or warm, buttery rolls for that extra touch. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a side of roasted asparagus or sautéed greens would complement the dish beautifully, adding a pop of color and nutrition to your meal. Trust me, these sides will make your dinner feel even more special!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your one pot creamy cajun sausage pasta is super easy! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay good for about 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring gently to warm it through. If it looks a bit thick, don’t worry! Just add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back that creamy goodness. You can also microwave individual portions, but I recommend adding a bit of liquid to keep it nice and moist. Enjoy every last bite!
For more information on the nutritional benefits of pasta, you can visit Eat Right.
Print
One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta in 30 Minutes of Joy
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and easy one pot creamy cajun sausage pasta dish.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add sausage and cook until browned.
- Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until softened.
- Add chicken broth, heavy cream, cajun seasoning, and pasta.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked.
- Stir in parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use any type of pasta you prefer.
- Adjust cajun seasoning to taste.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: one pot creamy cajun sausage pasta
