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One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

A close-up of One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta featuring penne, sliced sausage, and red peppers in a rich sauce.

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Make a rich and spicy Cajun sausage pasta entirely in one pot for simple cleanup. This recipe delivers a creamy sauce with bold, smoky flavor.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound smoked sausage (like Andouille), sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 12 ounces dry pasta (penne or rotini work well)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until lightly browned, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pot.
  2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Add the dry pasta to the boiling liquid. Stir well to prevent sticking. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, 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 simmering.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir to combine everything. Let it sit for 2 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For the creamiest result, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded.
  • If the sauce seems too thick after adding the cream, add a splash of milk or extra broth until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper amount based on how spicy you want the final dish.

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