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- 12 oz penne pasta - 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes - 2 cups chicken broth The main ingredients create the base of your dish. Penne pasta cooks well and holds sauce. The smoked sausage adds a rich, savory flavor. Onion, garlic, and bell pepper provide a sweet and aromatic blend. Diced tomatoes give moisture and tang, while chicken broth enhances the taste. - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley Dairy and seasonings are key for a creamy texture. Heavy cream makes the dish rich. Cajun seasoning and paprika add a warm kick. Parmesan cheese melts into the pasta, adding depth. Fresh parsley brightens the dish, making it pop. - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste Olive oil helps sauté the sausage and veggies. It adds a great flavor. Salt and pepper are simple but important. They enhance all the other flavors, making your dish sing. First, grab a large pot and heat some olive oil over medium heat. You want it to shimmer. Then, add the sliced smoked sausage. Sauté it for about 5-7 minutes. You want it to get nice and browned. Once it’s done, take the sausage out and set it aside on a plate. In the same pot, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook these for about 3-4 minutes. Stir them occasionally. You want the onion to become soft and see-through. This will bring out the sweet flavors in the veggies. Now, it’s time to add some flavor. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and paprika. Stir them into the veggies and cook for another minute. This helps wake up their flavors. Next, pour in the diced tomatoes, including their juices, and the chicken broth. Then add the penne pasta. Mix everything well. Bring it all to a rolling boil. Once boiling, turn down the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is al dente and has soaked up some liquid. After that, stir in the heavy cream and the sausage. Let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes. This makes everything creamy. Finally, remove the pot from heat and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts in. Taste and add salt and pepper if you need more flavor. To make this dish just right, start with the spices. Cajun seasoning packs a punch. If you like less heat, cut back on the seasoning. You can always add more later. For a milder taste, try a smoked sausage with less spice. Chicken sausage is another good option. It keeps the dish light and tasty. Sautéing and simmering are key steps. When you sauté, use medium heat. This helps the sausage brown nicely. Stir often to prevent sticking. When you add the pasta, let it boil first. Once boiling, lower the heat and cover the pot. Simmer until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to keep it creamy. Use a large pot for this recipe. A deep skillet also works well. Make sure it has a good lid for simmering. A wooden spoon is great for stirring. For serving, wide bowls make it look fancy. Don't forget a cheese grater for the Parmesan! {{image_4}} If you want to change the flavors, you can swap the smoked sausage. Try using turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a leaner dish. If you prefer meatless options, consider using plant-based sausage. For heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or coconut milk. Both will add creaminess but change the taste slightly. You can add more veggies to boost the flavor. Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms work well in this dish. For extra spice, toss in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. You can also try different spices, like Italian seasoning or taco seasoning, to mix things up. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free penne pasta. There are many great options available at stores. For a lighter version, cut down on the cream and use more broth. You can also skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. This way, everyone can enjoy a tasty meal! To keep your One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let the pasta cool to room temperature before sealing it up. This helps keep moisture in check. You can refrigerate the leftovers for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, just reheat in a pot over low heat. If you want to save this dish for later, freezing works well. First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then warm it on the stove until heated through. Add a splash of cream or broth if it seems dry. Once prepared, the One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta stays good in the fridge for about three days. If frozen, it can last up to three months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. Enjoy your creamy pasta, knowing it stays tasty for a good while! To make this dish vegetarian, simply swap the smoked sausage for a plant-based sausage. You can also add more vegetables. Try mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for flavor and texture. This keeps the dish rich and satisfying. Yes, you can use different pasta shapes. Try fusilli, rigatoni, or bow ties. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta shape. The key is to cook it until it’s al dente. To reheat, warm the pasta in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy. Stir often to avoid burning. You can also use the microwave if you prefer. This dish has a mild to moderate spice level. Cajun seasoning can vary in heat, so taste it first. If you want more heat, add extra seasoning or some red pepper flakes. Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sauce, then cool it before storing in the fridge. Reheat before serving, adding a bit of cream to restore creaminess. This makes meal prep easy and quick! This blog explored making a delicious creamy Cajun pasta. You learned about key ingredients like smoked sausage, penne, and spices. We broke down each cooking step, shared top tips, and discussed variations. You can customize for your taste, diet, or storage needs. In the end, this dish is all about flavor and fun. Enjoy creating your own version!

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Indulge in a delicious one pot creamy Cajun sausage pasta that brings bold flavors to your dinner table in just 30 minutes! This easy recipe combines smoked sausage, colorful veggies, and a rich creamy sauce with a hint of Cajun spice. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Click through to discover how to make this mouthwatering dish everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz penne pasta

1 lb smoked sausage, sliced

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat, ensuring it shimmers. Add the sliced smoked sausage and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is nicely browned and caramelized. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside on a plate.

    In the same pot, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté these aromatic vegetables for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and the onion is translucent.

      Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and paprika. Stir the spices into the veggies and cook for an additional minute to awaken their flavors and aroma.

        Pour in the diced tomatoes (including all the juices) and chicken broth, and then add the penne pasta. Mix everything well to combine, then bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

          Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and has absorbed some of the liquid.

            After the pasta is cooked, incorporate the heavy cream and the previously cooked sausage back into the pot. Allow the mixture to simmer for an extra 3-4 minutes, stirring gently until everything is heated through and creamy in consistency.

              Remove the pot from the heat, and gradually fold in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

                To serve, generously garnish the pasta with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

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

                    - Präsentationstipps: Serve the pasta hot in wide, shallow bowls for an elegant look, and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley for a finishing touch.