One-Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta

$For this dish, you will need the following main ingredients: - 8 oz penne pasta - 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced - 1 onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 4 cups chicken broth - 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese You will also need some common pantry staples: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and black pepper, to taste To make your dish look even better, consider these garnishes: - Fresh parsley, chopped - Additional shredded cheese, if desired Start by gathering all your ingredients. You will need penne pasta, smoked sausage, and some colorful veggies. Dice the onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Slice the sausage into rounds. Mince the garlic, and set everything in bowls for easy access. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced sausage. Cook until it turns brown, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage and place it on a plate. In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion looks clear. Next, mix in the red and green bell peppers. Cook them for around 5 minutes until soft. Now, stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring this mixture to a simmer. Next, add the penne pasta and stir well. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is gone, stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese. Make sure the cheese melts completely. Finally, add the sausage back into the pot. Mix everything together and heat for another 2-3 minutes. To get the best texture, make sure not to overcook the pasta. Check it often as it cooks. Stirring regularly helps keep the pasta from sticking together. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water. This keeps your dish creamy and smooth. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. You want it al dente, so keep an eye on it. Stirring the pasta often helps prevent it from sticking to the pot. Another mistake is not using enough seasoning. Cajun seasoning is key for flavor. Taste as you go and adjust the spices to your liking. Lastly, don’t forget to add the cream and cheese at the right time. This makes the dish creamy and rich. To boost the flavor, try adding more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. These add texture and taste. You can also use smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor. A splash of hot sauce gives it a nice kick too. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can brighten up the dish. Mixing in a squeeze of lemon juice adds freshness that balances the richness. A large, heavy pot is best for this recipe. It helps cook everything evenly. A wooden spoon is great for stirring, as it won’t scratch the pot. Having a good knife makes chopping vegetables easier. I recommend using measuring spoons for precise seasoning. Finally, a ladle is handy for serving this dish into bowls. {{image_2}} If you want a twist on this dish, try different proteins. Chicken works well. Use diced chicken breast or thighs for a leaner option. Shrimp also adds a nice touch. Just cook them until they turn pink. For a heartier taste, consider using andouille sausage. It packs a spicy punch and enhances the Cajun flavor. You can make this dish vegetarian without losing flavor. Swap the sausage for plant-based options like tofu or tempeh. They absorb flavors well and add protein. You can also add more veggies. Consider mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for added texture and nutrients. For a creamy element, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. To elevate the taste, think about adding new flavors. A splash of hot sauce can enhance the heat. You might also try fresh herbs like thyme or basil for a fresh twist. Adding lemon juice at the end brightens the dish. You can even mix in some olives for a savory kick. Experimenting with different spices will make your meal unique every time! To keep your One-Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta fresh, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly to prevent air from getting in. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, it stays tasty and safe to eat. When it’s time to eat those leftovers, you have a few options. You can use the microwave. Just heat it in a bowl for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway. You can also reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth to a skillet over low heat. Stir it gently until it warms up. Both methods work well to keep the creamy texture. If you have more than you can eat, freezing is a great option. Portion the pasta into freezer-safe bags or containers. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat as mentioned above. This way, you can enjoy this delicious meal later! Yes, you can use different pasta types. Penne works well, but you can try fusilli or rotini. These shapes hold sauce nicely. Just keep an eye on the cooking time. Different pasta may take longer or shorter to cook. This dish has a mild to medium spice level. Cajun seasoning adds heat but is balanced by cream and cheese. If you like more heat, add extra Cajun spice or some crushed red pepper. Adjust it to your taste! To make this dish dairy-free, swap heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream. Use a dairy-free cheese for the topping. This keeps the creamy texture without dairy. It’s still delicious and satisfying! This pasta pairs well with a simple green salad. You could also serve it with garlic bread or crusty rolls. For a heartier meal, add grilled veggies or a side of coleslaw. Enjoy a complete meal with these sides! In this blog post, we explored the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and helpful tips for making One-Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta. We discussed common mistakes to avoid and shared alternative options for varied diets. Lastly, I provided storage tips for your leftovers to ensure freshness. Cooking should be fun and easy, and this recipe makes it simple. Enjoy your meal and try different flavors to find your favorite twist!$

Looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea? Try this One-Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta that's bursting with flavor and super easy to make! In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a hearty meal featuring smoked sausage, vibrant veggies, and creamy cheddar cheese all in one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights! Click through to discover the full recipe, cooking tips, and presentation ideas that will impress your family and friends!

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Ingredients

8 oz penne pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 lb smoked sausage, sliced

1 onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

4 cups chicken broth

2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil.

Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside on a plate.

In the same pot, add onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3 minutes.

Add the diced red and green bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes, until they soften.

Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, oregano, salt, and black pepper; bring to a simmer.

Add the penne pasta and stir well. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well incorporated.

Return the cooked sausage to the pot, mixing everything together. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

- Presentation Tips: Spoon the pasta into bowls, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve with additional cheese on the side if desired.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | Serves 4-6