If you need a warm and filling dinner without a sink full of dishes, this Easy One Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta is the answer. It is creamy, a little smoky, and full of bold Cajun flavor. The sausage turns golden, the pasta cooks right in the sauce, and everything blends into one rich and cozy meal. This is one of those dinners you will want to save for busy weeknights. It is simple, fast, and made in just one pot. Perfect when you want comfort food without extra work.
Ingredients
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step By Step Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large deep pan over medium heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned on both sides.
- Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning and stir well so the sausage and vegetables are coated.
- Add pasta, chicken broth, heavy cream, and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring once or twice, until pasta is tender.
- Remove lid and stir in shredded cheddar cheese. Let it melt into the sauce until creamy and smooth.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta: Keep an eye on it. Stir once or twice so it does not stick. The pasta should be tender but not mushy.
- Too much salt: Smoked sausage already has salt. Taste before adding extra.
- High heat: A strong boil can dry the sauce. Keep it at a gentle simmer.
Tips For Success
- Use good quality smoked sausage for the best flavor. This recipe works great as an Easy Dinner Smoked Sausage option when time is short.
- If you like a lighter choice, try smoked turkey sausage. It turns this into a simple Smoked Turkey Sausage Pasta that still tastes rich.
- For extra creaminess, add a little more cheese or a spoon of cream cheese.
- Cut the sausage into even slices so they cook evenly.
- This recipe is perfect when you need Quick And Easy Dinner Recipes With Smoked Sausage that everyone can enjoy.
How To Serve
Serve this creamy pasta hot, straight from the pot. The sauce will be thick, smooth, and full of smoky flavor. Add a simple green salad or warm garlic bread on the side. If you enjoy hearty meals, you might also like this easy lamb stew recipe for another cozy dinner idea.
This dish also pairs well with roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli. The creamy sauce balances fresh greens very well.
Flavor Add In Ideas
- Add sliced mushrooms for extra depth.
- Stir in spinach at the end for color and freshness.
- Use pepper jack cheese for more spice.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you love heat.
If you enjoy bold meat flavors, you may also love dishes like classic Greek lamb chops or a tender Greek butterflied lamb leg. They are different from pasta but just as satisfying.
Easy One Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large deep pan over medium heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned on both sides.
- Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning and stir well so the sausage and vegetables are coated.
- Add pasta, chicken broth, heavy cream, and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring once or twice, until pasta is tender.
- Remove lid and stir in shredded cheddar cheese. Let it melt into the sauce until creamy and smooth.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Make Ahead And Storage
Let the pasta cool completely before storing. Place leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creamy texture.
You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before warming on the stove.
If you enjoy simple one pot meals like this, you may also like pulled lamb recipe or lamb souvlaki recipe for easy family dinners.
FAQs
1. How to cook smoked sausage in pasta?
First brown the sausage in the pan. This step adds deep flavor. Then cook the pasta right in the same pot with broth and cream. This method makes it one of the easiest Smoked Sausage And Pasta Recipes Easy for busy nights.
2. Can I make this a creamy smoked sausage pasta?
Yes. This recipe is already a rich Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta. For extra creamy texture, add more cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end.
3. Can I use smoked turkey sausage?
Absolutely. It works well in many Smoked Turkey Sausage Recipes. It gives a lighter taste but still keeps that smoky flavor.
Conclusion
This Easy One Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta is creamy, smoky, and full of comfort. It is simple enough for a weeknight and tasty enough to share with friends. With just one pot and easy steps, you get a warm and filling meal without stress. Save this recipe for later and pin it to your favorite dinner board so you can make it again anytime.