Go Back
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta - 1 lb (450g) smoked sausage, sliced - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Salt and pepper to taste You can change this dish to suit your taste. Here are some options: - Use different pasta shapes like fusilli or farfalle. - Swap smoked sausage for chicken or turkey sausage. - Add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. - Try different cheeses, like cheddar or mozzarella, for a new flavor. I recommend local markets or grocery stores for fresh items. Look for: - Pasta: Check the pasta aisle for high-quality brands. - Sausage: Visit the meat section. Local butcher shops often have great options. - Vegetables: Buy fresh, vibrant veggies from farmers' markets for the best flavor. - Spices: Ensure spices are fresh. Check the spice aisle or specialty stores for Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. With these ingredients, you can create a dish that bursts with flavor and warmth. Enjoy the cooking process! Start by heating two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add one pound of sliced smoked sausage. Sauté the sausage for about four to five minutes until it turns a nice brown color. This step adds great flavor. Next, add one medium diced onion, one diced red bell pepper, and two minced garlic cloves. Cook these together for three to four minutes until the vegetables soften. Their sweetness will balance the spice. Then, stir in one teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, half a teaspoon of smoked paprika, and half a teaspoon of dried thyme. Cook this mixture for one more minute. This lets the spices bloom and fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma. Pour in four cups of chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add twelve ounces of penne pasta. Stir it well to avoid sticking. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Cook according to the pasta package instructions, usually about eleven to twelve minutes. Stir occasionally to help it cook evenly. As the pasta cooks, watch for the liquid to reduce. Leave some broth for creaminess. This is key to a delicious sauce. When the pasta is tender, stir in one cup of heavy cream. Let it warm for about two to three minutes. This will help to create that rich, creamy texture we love. Now, gradually sprinkle in one cup of shredded pepper jack cheese while stirring. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely. This adds a nice kick and creaminess to the dish. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, remove the pot from heat and let it rest for five minutes before serving. This step allows the flavors to meld and makes serving easier. Enjoy your dish topped with fresh parsley and extra cheese for a delightful finish! To cook sausage well, slice it into even pieces. This helps it cook evenly. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes. Look for a nice brown color on the sausage. This adds flavor to your dish. Stir it occasionally to avoid sticking. For a creamy pasta, use heavy cream. After cooking the pasta, leave some liquid in the pot. This helps the cream mix well. Stir in the cream and let it warm for 2-3 minutes. Then, add shredded pepper jack cheese slowly. Stir until it melts fully. This will give a rich, creamy texture to your dish. To avoid overcooking pasta, follow the package instructions closely. Most penne takes about 11-12 minutes. Stir the pasta every few minutes to keep it from sticking. When it’s done, some liquid should remain in the pot. This is key for keeping the dish creamy. If you notice the pasta is soft, remove it from heat right away. {{image_2}} Cajun cuisine has bold and hearty flavors. It is known for its rich spices and fresh ingredients. The mix of herbs and spices brings warmth and depth to dishes. Cajun cooking uses a few key ingredients. These include: - Smoked sausage - Cajun seasoning - Bell peppers - Onions - Garlic Smoked sausage adds a savory flavor. Cajun seasoning offers a spicy kick. Bell peppers and onions bring sweetness and crunch. Garlic adds an aromatic touch. Together, these create a strong base for many dishes. Balancing spices is key in Cajun cooking. Too much heat can overpower the dish. You can start with one teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Taste and adjust as needed. Adding smoked paprika gives a nice smoky flavor. Dried thyme adds earthiness to the mix. These spices work together to create a rich flavor that feels warm and inviting. When serving Cajun dishes, think about pairings. Here are some great options: - A fresh green salad for crunch - Cornbread for a sweet contrast - Rice to soak up all the sauce These sides enhance the meal and make it feel complete. Enjoying them with your creamy Cajun sausage pasta will elevate the whole experience. If you want to swap the smoked sausage, try chicken or turkey sausage. These options cut fat while keeping great taste. You can also use andouille sausage for a spicier kick. For a lighter choice, lean ground beef works well too. You can use your favorite meat. Just make sure it cooks well with the spices! To make this dish vegetarian, replace the sausage with plant-based sausage. There are many good brands now. You can also use mushrooms for a hearty texture. For vegan options, skip the cream and cheese. Use coconut cream for a rich flavor. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy taste without dairy. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish! Boost nutrition and color by adding vegetables. Chopped spinach or kale cooks well in the sauce. You can toss in zucchini or cherry tomatoes too. Just add them when you mix in the pasta. This way, they will cook quickly but still stay bright and fresh. Feel free to get creative with your choices! To keep your One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta fresh, follow these tips. First, let the dish cool to room temperature. This step helps avoid condensation in the container. Next, use an airtight container to store it in the fridge. Divide the pasta into smaller portions to make it easy to reheat later. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. For the best taste, use the stove. Place the pasta in a pot over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy. Stir it often to heat evenly. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in, and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This creamy pasta stays good in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you freeze it, it can last up to 3 months. Just remember to label the container with the date. For best quality, try to eat it sooner rather than later. Over time, the texture may change. Enjoy your delicious pasta anytime with these simple storage tips! Yes, you can use other pasta types. I recommend using fusilli or rigatoni. These shapes hold sauce well. You can even try gluten-free pasta if needed. Just adjust cooking time as needed. To add more heat, increase the Cajun seasoning. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you like fresh spice, add sliced jalapeños. Another option is to use hot pepper jack cheese for extra kick. This creamy Cajun sausage pasta pairs well with a simple green salad. A side of garlic bread complements the dish nicely. You might also enjoy steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables. These sides balance the rich, creamy flavors. This blog post covered the key steps to create a delicious Cajun dish. You learned about essential ingredients and how to cook them. I shared tips for perfect sausage cooking and achieving creaminess. We also explored Cajun flavors and how to customize your meal. As you cook, keep these tips in mind. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and flavors. Cajun cuisine can be fun and rewarding! Happy cooking!

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Indulge in a delicious One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta that's both easy to make and bursting with flavor! This one-pot wonder combines smoked sausage, aromatic veggies, and rich pepper jack cheese for a satisfying meal in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights or family gatherings, this dish is sure to impress. Click through to discover this creamy, spicy recipe and elevate your dinner routine today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) penne pasta

1 lb (450g) smoked sausage, sliced

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and sauté until browned, about 4-5 minutes.

    Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

      Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Cook for 1 more minute to allow the spices to release their flavors.

        Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and stir well. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Cook according to pasta package instructions, typically about 11-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

          Once the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid has evaporated (leave some for creaminess), stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to warm through for about 2-3 minutes.

            Gradually sprinkle in the shredded pepper jack cheese, stirring continuously until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

              Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in bowls, topped with chopped fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of pepper jack cheese for a delightful finish.

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