Irresistible Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta (One Pot) for Weeknights (Print Version)
How to make Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta (One Pot) with smoky Cajun sausage, tender pasta, and a rich cream sauce that's ready in under 30 minutes.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15-20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15-25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Cajun
Dietary: Meat
# Ingredients:
→ Main Components
01 -
1 pound (about 2 links) Andouille sausage, sliced ½-inch thick
02 -
12 ounces (about 3 ½ cups) penne pasta
03 -
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
04 -
1 cup heavy cream
05 -
1 large yellow onion, diced
06 -
1 large green bell pepper, diced
→ Flavor Builders
07 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
08 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
09 -
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
10 -
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
→ Seasonings
11 -
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
12 -
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
13 -
¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
→ Finishing Touches
14 -
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
15 -
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced Andouille sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage, leaving drippings, then sauté diced onion and bell pepper until softened, 5 minutes.
02 -
To the pot with softened vegetables, stir in minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, then add penne pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring well to combine.
03 -
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the pasta cooks evenly in this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta (One Pot).
04 -
Once pasta is tender and most liquid absorbed, stir in the softened cream cheese until it melts and emulsifies into the sauce. Then, incorporate the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is rich and smooth.
05 -
Return the browned sausage to the pot, gently folding it into the creamy pasta. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley and optional red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed for your delicious Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta (One Pot).
06 -
Your Irresistible Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta (One Pot) is ready! Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Leftovers are fantastic for lunch, often tasting even better the next day.
# Notes:
01 -
Avoid over-simmering pasta to prevent mushiness; check for al dente texture at 15 minutes for ideal results.
02 -
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days; reheat gently with a splash of liquid.
03 -
Use authentic Andouille for best flavor, but a good quality smoked sausage can be substituted if necessary.
04 -
Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan. A side salad or crusty bread complements this dish beautifully.
05 -
Prep sausage, onion, and bell pepper a day ahead; store separately in the fridge for quicker assembly.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot with lid
02 -
measuring cups
03 -
measuring spoons
04 -
cutting board
05 -
knife
06 -
garlic press
07 -
grater
08 -
spatula or wooden spoon
09 -
serving spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 710
Total Fat: 43g
Total Carbohydrate: 50g
Protein: 24g