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For this One-Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta, gather these ingredients: - 12 ounces penne or fusilli pasta - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced (andouille or kielbasa recommended) - 1 medium onion, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, including the juice - 3 cups chicken broth - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (feel free to adjust based on spice preference) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (omit for less heat) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can swap some ingredients to fit your taste: - Use turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a leaner option. - Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version. - Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian dish. - Any short pasta can work if you don't have penne or fusilli. Use these tools for best results: - Large pot or Dutch oven: This helps cook everything in one pot. - Sharp knife: Essential for chopping veggies and sausage. - Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot. - Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient amounts. - Ladle: Great for serving your tasty pasta dish. Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more fun! Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add one pound of sliced smoked sausage. I prefer andouille or kielbasa for their rich flavor. Sauté the sausage for about five minutes until it turns brown. This step adds depth to the dish. Next, add one diced medium onion, one diced red bell pepper, and one diced green bell pepper. Cook these veggies for four to five minutes until they soften. Stir in three minced garlic cloves and let them cook for about one minute. You want to release that wonderful garlic aroma. After the veggies are soft, stir in one can of diced tomatoes, including the juice. Follow this with three cups of chicken broth. Sprinkle in one tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, one teaspoon of dried oregano, and half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper if you like heat. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Increase the heat to bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add twelve ounces of uncooked penne or fusilli pasta. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and cook for about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and check that the pasta absorbs most of the liquid. When the pasta is tender, it’s time for the creamy finish. Gently fold in one cup of heavy cream and one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts. This creates a rich, creamy sauce that coats the pasta. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds color and flavor before serving. Enjoy this hearty meal that’s simple yet packed with flavor. For the full recipe, check my detailed cooking guide! To cook perfect pasta, start with a large pot. Use enough water to cover the pasta well. Add salt to the water for flavor. Bring it to a boil before adding the pasta. Stir the pasta gently right after you add it. This helps prevent sticking. Cook until it is al dente, which means firm to the bite. Drain it quickly and save some pasta water for later if needed. You can change the flavors in this dish easily. Try adding different veggies, such as zucchini or spinach. For extra protein, you can mix in shrimp or chicken. If you like seafood, consider using shrimp and adding a squeeze of lemon. For a smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke. Experiment with different spices, too. You can use Italian seasoning or even a bit of curry powder for a twist. This dish stores well. You can make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just let it cool completely before you cover it. When you reheat, add a splash of chicken broth to bring back the creaminess. This will keep it moist and tasty. You can also freeze portions for quick meals later. When reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section! {{image_4}} You can make this dish vegetarian by swapping the sausage. Use plant-based sausage or mushrooms. Mushrooms add a nice texture and umami flavor. You can also add more veggies. Try zucchini, spinach, or eggplant for extra nutrition. They cook well and soak up flavor. For a gluten-free meal, choose gluten-free pasta. Rice or quinoa pasta works great. Adjust the cooking time as needed, as gluten-free pasta can cook faster. Always check the package instructions for the best results. You can also use spiralized vegetables like zucchini or carrots as a pasta substitute. If you want to change the protein, turkey or chicken sausage is an option. They keep the dish light while adding flavor. For a seafood twist, shrimp works well too. Just add them in the last few minutes of cooking. This ensures they stay tender and juicy. Feel free to explore these options while following the full recipe for One-Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta! After enjoying your meal, let the leftovers cool down first. Place the pasta in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it. To reheat the pasta, you have a few options. You can use the microwave or the stove. If using the microwave, place the pasta in a bowl. Cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. On the stove, add a splash of chicken broth or water in a pan. Heat it over low heat, stirring until hot. If you decide to freeze the pasta, use a freezer-safe container. Leave a little space at the top for expansion. The pasta can last up to three months in the freezer. To use it later, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your flavorful meal whenever you want! Andouille sausage shines in this dish. Its bold flavor adds depth. Kielbasa is another great choice. It has a milder taste but still pairs well. Feel free to mix or match based on your taste. Yes, you can. While penne or fusilli are ideal, any pasta works. Just adjust the cooking time. Smaller pasta cooks faster, while larger shapes need more time. To control the heat, play with the Cajun seasoning. Start with less, then taste. Add more if you want it spicier. You can also reduce or skip the cayenne pepper. For less heat, add more cream to balance flavors. A simple green salad complements this pasta well. Garlic bread is also a favorite. You could serve it with roasted vegetables for a healthy side. Swap heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative, like coconut milk. Use vegan cheese or skip it altogether. Adjust seasonings to enhance the flavors without dairy. For the full recipe, check out the Spicy One-Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta section. It includes all the ingredients and steps for a delicious meal. In this post, we explored the key ingredients and steps for making one-pot Cajun sausage pasta. We discussed creative substitutions and the tools you need to succeed. Cooking tips and variations help you make the dish your own. Lastly, we covered how to store and reheat leftovers. Enjoy the process and have fun experimenting. This dish brings bold flavor and comfort to your table with ease.

One-Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta

Dive into the mouthwatering flavors of Spicy One-Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta! This easy, creamy dish brings together savory smoked sausage, colorful peppers, and zesty Cajun seasoning, all in just one pot. Perfect for busy nights, it’s ready in 30 minutes and sure to please everyone at the table. Don’t miss out on this delicious recipe—click through to explore and get cooking today!
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Ingredients
  

12 ounces penne or fusilli pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound smoked sausage, sliced (andouille or kielbasa recommended)

1 medium onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, including the juice

3 cups chicken broth

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (feel free to adjust based on spice preference)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (omit for less heat)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced sausage and sauté until browned, approximately 5 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking.

    To the pot, add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté these vegetables until they soften, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more.

      Next, stir in the diced tomatoes (including their juice), chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using), along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.

        Once it reaches a rolling boil, carefully stir in the uncooked pasta. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

          Once the pasta is adequately cooked, gently fold in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and all ingredients are well combined, creating a creamy sauce.

            Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning if desired. Before serving, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

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

                - Presentation Tips: Serve this hearty dish in bowls, with a sprinkle of extra cheese and parsley on top, for an inviting and delicious meal that’s sure to impress!