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One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

A close-up shot of creamy sausage pasta made with penne, rich orange sauce, chunks of sausage, and fresh parsley.
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Make this easy, one-pot creamy Cajun sausage pasta for a satisfying weeknight dinner. This recipe uses smoked or Italian sausage and cooks quickly for minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound smoked sausage or Italian sausage, sliced
  • 1 pound pasta (penne or bowtie recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1–2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to your spice preference)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (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 browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pot.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the dry pasta, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer according to the pasta package directions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente (usually 10-12 minutes).
  5. Stir in the heavy cream, cooked sausage, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Do not let it boil after adding the cream and cheese.
  6. Taste the pasta and add salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For a milder dish, use mild Italian sausage and reduce the Cajun seasoning to 1 teaspoon.
  • You can substitute smoked turkey sausage for a lower-fat option.
  • If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Nutrition

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