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To make One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta, gather these simple ingredients: - 12 oz penne pasta - 1 lb Andouille sausage, sliced - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, chopped - 1 green bell pepper, chopped - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 teaspoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a rich and creamy dish. The penne pasta provides a great base. The Andouille sausage gives the dish its Cajun kick. Fresh veggies add color and flavor. Chicken broth keeps it moist and flavorful. Heavy cream makes it creamy and smooth. Cajun seasoning adds a spicy twist, while cherry tomatoes offer a pop of sweetness. Have fun mixing these ingredients. Each adds its own touch to the final dish. When you gather everything, you set yourself up for a tasty meal that is easy to make. Enjoy the cooking! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced Andouille sausage. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it browned and a bit crispy. Once it’s done, take the sausage out and set it on a plate. In the same pot, add the diced onion. Sauté it for about 3 minutes until it’s soft and clear. Then, add minced garlic, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Stir occasionally so everything softens nicely. Now, pour in 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Once it simmers, add 12 ounces of penne pasta. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning. Stir it all together so the pasta is well mixed with the broth. Let the pasta cook in the broth for 10 to 12 minutes. You want it to be al dente. Stir it often to stop the pasta from sticking to the pot. After the pasta is cooked, lower the heat. Add 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Stir until everything is mixed and creamy. Gently add the cooked sausage back into the pot. Stir it in well so it’s heated through. Taste and add salt and pepper as you like. Finally, take the pot off the heat. Let it sit for a minute. This helps the flavors come together. Serve the pasta hot in bowls. Add fresh parsley on top for a nice touch! For this dish, I recommend using Andouille sausage. It adds a bold flavor and a nice spice. Look for sausage that is fresh and well-seasoned. If you want a milder taste, you can use turkey or chicken sausage. These options still taste great and keep the meal light. If you love heat, add more Cajun seasoning. Start with one tablespoon, then taste. You can always add more later. If you prefer less spice, cut back on the seasoning. Adding cream helps balance the heat. You can also add a pinch of sugar to tone down strong flavors. Presentation makes a meal feel special. Serve the pasta hot in deep bowls. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for color. You can also add extra cherry tomatoes for a fresh look. For extra flavor, sprinkle a bit more Cajun seasoning on top. A nice twist can impress your guests and make the dish pop! Pro Tips Use Quality Sausage: Choose a high-quality Andouille sausage for the best flavor. The seasoning and spice from the sausage will enhance the overall dish. Al Dente Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to absorb liquid and cook slightly more after being combined with the cream. Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder dish, start with less and add more gradually. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brightens the dish's flavors. Consider adding other herbs like basil or chives for extra freshness. {{image_4}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of this dish. Instead of Andouille sausage, use plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a hearty bite. This swap keeps the dish rich and satisfying. Add extra spices or smoked paprika to mimic the Cajun flavor. You’ll still enjoy a creamy texture with the heavy cream and pasta. Feel free to load up your pasta with more veggies. Consider adding spinach, zucchini, or broccoli. These ingredients bring color and nutrition. To do this, add them when you sauté the garlic and onions. They will cook down and blend well with the sauce. You don’t have to stick with penne. Try other pasta shapes like fusilli, rotini, or even farfalle. Each type offers a different texture and holds the creamy sauce well. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary for different pasta shapes. You can store leftover One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta in an airtight container. Let the pasta cool first. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a good option. To reheat, simply take your pasta out of the fridge. You can microwave it in a bowl. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it moist. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. This way, it warms evenly and stays creamy. If you want to freeze your pasta, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure it cools completely before sealing. It can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the flavors intact. Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free. Simply swap the penne pasta with gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great gluten-free options that cook similarly. Check the package for cooking times, as they may differ. To adjust the creaminess, you can add more or less heavy cream. If you want it creamier, add an extra half cup. For less creaminess, use just half a cup. You can also use milk or a non-dairy option for a lighter version. If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, try a mix of paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. You can also use Creole seasoning for a similar flavor. Adjust to taste as some blends can be spicier than others. To make the dish spicier, add more Cajun seasoning. You can also toss in some red pepper flakes. If you love heat, consider fresh jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for that extra kick! Absolutely! You can use any pasta you like. Fusilli, rotini, or even spaghetti will work well. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta shape you choose. This blog post covered a delicious penne pasta dish. We explored key ingredients like Andouille sausage and Cajun seasoning. I shared clear steps for cooking and tips for enhancing your meal. We also discussed fun variations and storage methods. Feel free to get creative with spice and veggie options. This dish is easy to make and perfect for sharing. Enjoy your cooking!

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with Andouille sausage and Cajun spices, all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb Andouille sausage, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced Andouille sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pot and set aside on a plate.
  • Using the same pot, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Then, stir in the minced garlic along with both chopped bell peppers and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the peppers soften.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, add the penne pasta and sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
  • Allow the pasta to cook in the broth for about 10-12 minutes, or until it reaches an al dente texture. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  • After the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and halved cherry tomatoes, mixing everything until well combined and creamy in consistency.
  • Gently fold the cooked sausage back into the pot. Stir until it is evenly distributed and heated through. Lastly, season with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
  • Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a minute. This allows the flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and extra Cajun seasoning for added flavor.
Keyword Cajun, creamy, one-pot, pasta, sausage