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One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for Easy Weeknight Dinner

A close-up of creamy Cajun sausage pasta featuring rigatoni coated in an orange sauce with sliced sausage.

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This one pot creamy Cajun sausage pasta delivers bold flavor and comfort food satisfaction with minimal cleanup. It is a quick, easy recipe perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal fast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound smoked or andouille sausage, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 pound penne or bowtie pasta
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until lightly browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving any rendered fat in the skillet.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), Cajun seasoning, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Add the dry pasta to the boiling liquid. Stir well to prevent sticking. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally during cooking.
  5. Stir the cooked sausage back into the pasta mixture. Reduce the heat to low.
  6. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until combined. Remove the skillet from the heat.
  7. Stir in the shredded cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • If you prefer a milder flavor, use smoked turkey sausage or reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning.
  • For a richer sauce, you can substitute half of the chicken broth with half-and-half or whole milk.
  • This recipe is excellent for meal prep; store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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