A quick, easy one-pot meal with bold spice and creamy sauce.
introduction
This Cajun Sausage Pasta mixes smoky sausage, cream, cheese, and simple veggies for a fast weeknight dinner. If you want more ideas for Cajun pasta, check this Cajun pasta inspiration for a similar bold-flavored dish.
why make this recipe
This recipe is quick, filling, and uses one pot. You cook pasta and sauce together to save time and dishes. The sausage gives big flavor without much work. It is great for busy nights and feeds a family.
how to make Cajun Sausage Pasta
Start by softening the onions and peppers in oil. Add garlic and browned sausage with Cajun seasoning. Add pasta and enough water or broth to cover. Simmer until the pasta is al dente. Stir in cream and cheese until smooth and creamy. This one-pot method is like other simple creamy dinners and keeps cleanup easy — see this one-pot creamy pasta example for the same idea.
Ingredients :
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack)
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions :
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Add sliced sausage and Cajun seasoning; cook until sausage is browned.
- Stir in the pasta and enough water or chicken broth to cover the pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, covering the pot.
- Cook until pasta is al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and cheese; mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
how to serve Cajun Sausage Pasta
Serve hot, straight from the pot. Add a green salad or steamed veggies on the side. For more serving ideas with creamy pasta, you can look at this creamy pasta side ideas to match your meal.
how to store Cajun Sausage Pasta
Let the pasta cool to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container and refrigerate. Use within 3–4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
tips to make Cajun Sausage Pasta
- Use smoked sausage for more flavor.
- Taste the seasoning before adding salt; sausage and cheese can be salty.
- If the sauce gets too thick after cooling, add a little milk or broth when reheating.
- Cook pasta just until al dente since it will finish cooking in the sauce.
variation (if any)
- Use chicken or shrimp instead of sausage for a lighter option.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce (it will be less rich).
- Add spinach or tomatoes for extra veggies.
- Use pepper jack for more heat or cheddar for milder flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes. Penne, fettuccine, or rotini work well. Use what you like.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes. Use dairy-free cream and cheese substitutes. The texture will change slightly.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: You can, but cream sauces may separate a bit. Freeze in an airtight container and thaw slowly. Reheat with a splash of broth.
Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: Spice depends on the Cajun seasoning and cheese. Use milder seasoning or less to reduce heat.
Conclusion
For another one-pot take on creamy Cajun sausage pasta, you can compare this recipe to the Pass Me Some Tasty one-pot creamy Cajun sausage pasta to see different spice levels and steps. If you want a similar creamy Cajun version with slight changes, the Cookin Chicks creamy Cajun sausage pasta has a nice variation. For more easy one-pot dinner ideas and tips, check the lazy dish one-pot creamy Cajun sausage pasta.
Cajun Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced Use smoked sausage for more flavor.
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning Taste the seasoning before adding salt.
- 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter option, use half-and-half.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack) Use pepper jack for more heat or cheddar for a milder flavor.
- 1 bell pepper diced Add spinach or tomatoes for extra veggies.
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste Be cautious with salt due to sausage and cheese.
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Add sliced sausage and Cajun seasoning; cook until sausage is browned.
Cooking
- Stir in the pasta and enough water or chicken broth to cover the pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, covering the pot.
- Cook until pasta is al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and cheese; mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Serve hot, straight from the pot.
