Easy One Pot Cajun Pasta
This delightful recipe perfectly marries the distinctive heat of Cajun seasoning with the creamy richness of pasta, resulting in a meal that tantalizes the taste buds while keeping your kitchen mess-free.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 piece bell pepper (red or green), diced
- 1 pound smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa), sliced For best flavor, use high-quality smoked sausage.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Adjust to taste based on spice preference.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter version, substitute with half-and-half or plant-based milk.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Fold in until melted and creamy.
- Fresh parsley, for garnish Experiment with different garnishes for variety.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the sliced smoked sausage to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the sausage is heated through and lightly browned, releasing its flavorful oils into the mixture.
- Pour in the uncooked penne pasta, diced tomatoes (with their juice), chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, and dried thyme. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Cooking
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the pasta is tender and the liquid has reduced, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the pasta absorbs too much liquid, add a splash more chicken broth.
- After the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until warmed through and slightly thickened.
- Remove the pot from heat and fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
- Garnish the pasta with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious one-pot Cajun pasta!
Notes
For best results, choose quality sausage, adjust the spice level according to your preference, and feel free to add additional vegetables. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.