Go Back
- 8 oz penne pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 4 cups chicken broth - 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and black pepper, to taste - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Gather these ingredients first. Each one plays a key role in making this dish sing with flavor. The smoked sausage adds depth, while the bell peppers give it a fresh crunch. The Cajun seasoning brings the heat, and the cream and cheese make everything creamy and rich. To get the best flavor, start by sautéing the sausage. Use medium heat and let it brown well. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes. This step adds richness to your dish. After that, remove the sausage and sauté the onion and garlic in the same pot. This lets the flavors mix. Cook them until the onion is soft, about 3 minutes. Then, add the bell peppers. Keep stirring for another 5 minutes. This softens them and brings out their sweetness. Simmering is key for great taste. After adding the tomatoes and broth, let everything simmer gently. This helps all the flavors blend together. The longer you simmer, the better the taste. You want the mixture to be hot but not boiling. If you want a different flavor, change the sausage. Chicken or turkey sausage works well. They are leaner but still tasty. For a vegetarian dish, swap in plant-based sausage or skip the meat entirely. You can add more veggies like mushrooms or zucchini instead. If you need alternatives, consider using different broth. Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth. This keeps the dish light yet flavorful. Want it spicier? Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your liking. You can add more if you love heat. Hot sauce or red pepper flakes are great too. Start with a little and taste as you go. This way, you can find the perfect heat level for you. Don’t have penne? Use any pasta shape you like. Fusilli or rotini can work just as well. They hold sauce nicely too. You can also add seasonal vegetables. Fresh spinach or asparagus can add color and nutrition. Just toss them in with the other veggies for a new twist. To keep your One-Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps to lock in flavor and moisture. You can safely enjoy your pasta for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Just make sure to let it cool to room temperature before sealing it up. If you want to reheat, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy. For longer storage, you can freeze your One-Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta. First, let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. This way, you can thaw only what you need later. It’s best to consume frozen pasta within 2-3 months for the best taste. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of chicken broth or cream to restore its creamy texture. {{image_4}} This recipe makes 4 to 6 servings. Each serving has about 450 calories. The breakdown is as follows: - Protein: 20 grams - Carbohydrates: 40 grams - Fats: 25 grams This dish packs a good amount of protein from the sausage and cheese. The penne pasta provides hearty carbs to keep you full. If you need gluten-free options, you can use gluten-free penne pasta. This swap keeps the dish tasty and safe for those with gluten issues. For lower fat or dairy-free choices, try using coconut milk instead of heavy cream. You can also use dairy-free cheese. These options let you enjoy the dish without compromising your diet. Yes, you can! While I love penne for this dish, any pasta works. You could use rotini, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just keep in mind that cooking times may change. Check the package instructions to make sure your pasta cooks perfectly. To add heat, try these tips: - Use spicy smoked sausage instead of mild. - Add red pepper flakes while cooking. - Mix in hot sauce before serving. These steps will give your dish a nice kick! Absolutely! You can prepare this dish in advance. Just cook it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth to bring back the creaminess. Enjoy your easy meal! This blog post took you through the key ingredients, steps, and tips for making One-Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta. You learned about key items like penne pasta, smoked sausage, and aromatic vegetables. I shared simple steps for combining flavors and provided tips for ingredient swaps. Experiment with spice levels and ingredients to match your taste. Enjoy your cooking journey! Your next delicious meal is just a pot away.

One-Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta

Make dinner a breeze with this delicious One-Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta! With smoky sausage, colorful bell peppers, and creamy cheese, this dish is packed with flavor and easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's ready in just 30 minutes and serves 4-6 people! Dive into this flavorful recipe that blends comfort and spice in one pot. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your meal tonight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 oz penne pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

4 cups chicken broth

2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Warm the Oil: In a large pot over medium heat, pour in the olive oil and allow it to heat up.

    Sauté the Sausage: Add the sliced smoked sausage to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and starts to crisp up. Remove the sausage from the pot and transfer it to a plate.

      Cook the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 3 minutes or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

        Add the Peppers: Stir in the diced red and green bell peppers. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their natural sweetness.

          Combine Ingredients: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, dried oregano, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

            Incorporate the Pasta: Add the penne pasta to the pot, ensuring it's well mixed with the other ingredients. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

              Add Cream and Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, pour in the heavy cream and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until both are fully melted and evenly combined throughout the dish.

                Return the Sausage: Add the cooked sausage back into the pot, mixing thoroughly to combine. Allow it to heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes.

                  Final Touches: Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning as needed.

                    - Presentation Tips: Ladle the pasta into serving bowls, and for a vibrant touch, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with extra shredded cheese on the side for those who wish to indulge even more.

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