Description
Creamy Cajun sausage pasta is a bold one‑pot meal with smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a rich, spicy cream sauce. It’s quick, comforting, and packed with flavor, perfect for weeknights or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 12 oz smoked sausage (sliced; andouille or kielbasa)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store‑bought or homemade)
- 8 oz uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or similar)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Heat oil or butter in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and Cajun seasoning, and cook until fragrant.
- Add uncooked pasta, chicken broth, drained diced tomatoes, and heavy cream. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
- Stir frequently and cook until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, about 12–15 minutes.
- Return the browned sausage to the pot and cook another 1–2 minutes until heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Add fresh spinach or kale at the end for a green boost.
- Swap sausage for chicken, shrimp, or plant‑based sausage for variety.
- Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese for extra richness.
- Use half‑and‑half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Toss in red bell peppers or mushrooms for extra color and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1420mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
