🥘 One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

⏱️ Total Time: 30 Minutes | 🍽️ Serves: 4 | 💡 One-pan meal

✅ Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 14 oz (400g) smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa), sliced into ¼-inch rounds

• 1 small yellow onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• 2½ cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 8 oz (225g) uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or any short pasta)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped

For Garnish:

• Fresh chopped parsley or green onions

• Extra Parmesan, if desired

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

🔪 Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage

• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

• Add the sliced sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.

• Remove sausage from the pan and set aside on a plate.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

• In the same pan, add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent.

• Stir in the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes.

• Cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add the Liquids and Pasta

• Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.

• Add the uncooked pasta, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook uncovered for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.

4. Return the Sausage & Add Extras

• Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet.

• Stir in Parmesan cheese and any optional ingredients like cherry tomatoes and spinach.

• Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, until spinach wilts and everything is heated through.

5. Season & Serve

• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.

• Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and serve hot.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

• Great with garlic bread or crusty rolls.

• Add a squeeze of lemon or a dash of hot sauce for extra zing.

🔁 Storage & Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

• Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

📝 Tips & Variations

• Lighter version: Use turkey sausage and half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

• Low-carb: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini or low-carb pasta alternatives.

• More veggies: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas for extra color and nutrients.

• Homemade Cajun seasoning:

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp onion powder

  • ¼ tsp cayenne

  • ½ tsp oregano

  • ½ tsp thyme

  • Salt & pepper to taste.