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- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta - 1 lb (450g) smoked sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced The heart of this dish is the combination of penne pasta and smoked sausage. Penne holds onto the sauce well. Smoked sausage adds a rich, savory flavor. Diced onion and garlic build a fragrant base. The red bell pepper gives a sweet crunch. - 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme - 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese Cajun seasoning adds warmth and spice. Smoked paprika gives depth. Dried thyme brings an earthy note. Chicken broth forms the base of our sauce, while heavy cream adds richness. Pepper jack cheese melts into a creamy texture, making every bite delicious. - Fresh parsley for garnish - Salt and pepper to taste Fresh parsley adds color and flavor. Adjust salt and pepper to enhance taste. These add-ins are simple, but they elevate the dish. To start, we need to sauté the smoked sausage. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add one pound of sliced smoked sausage. Cook for about four to five minutes. Stir it occasionally. You want to see a nice brown color on the sausage. This browning adds flavor to the dish. Next, it's time to cook the vegetables. Add one medium diced onion, one diced red bell pepper, and two minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté these for about three to four minutes. You want the veggies to soften and smell great. Stir often to prevent sticking. This step helps the flavors mix well. Now, we’ll add spices and broth. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, half a teaspoon of smoked paprika, and half a teaspoon of dried thyme. Stir this mix well and cook for another minute. This helps the spices release their full flavor. Next, pour in four cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add twelve ounces of penne pasta. Stir to ensure even distribution. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Cook for about eleven to twelve minutes. Stir occasionally to stop the pasta from sticking. After the pasta is cooked, most liquid should be absorbed. Leave a bit for creaminess. Gently stir in one cup of heavy cream. Let it heat through for about two to three minutes. Then, it’s time to add cheese. Gradually add one cup of shredded pepper jack cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the pasta is creamy. Taste it and add salt and pepper to your liking. Remove the pot from the heat. Let it rest for five minutes. This helps the flavors blend. For a beautiful dish, serve the creamy pasta in bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and more pepper jack cheese. This adds a lovely touch and makes the dish pop. Enjoy your meal! - Adjusting seasoning levels: Taste your dish as you cook. You can add more Cajun seasoning for extra flavor. Start with a little, then add more if you like it spicier. - Adding heat with extra Cajun spices: If you want more heat, try cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. These spices boost the kick without changing the base flavor. - One-pot cooking benefits: Cooking everything in one pot saves time and cleanup. You get all the flavors mixing together, making it even tastier. - Preventing pasta from clumping: Stir the pasta often while it cooks. This helps keep it from sticking together and ensures even cooking. - Lower-calorie sausage options: You can use turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner choice. They still add great flavor without the extra fat. - Dairy-free substitutes for cream and cheese: If you're avoiding dairy, try coconut cream or cashew cream. Nutritional yeast can replace cheese and add a cheesy flavor. {{image_4}} You can easily swap out the pasta type. Try using fusilli or farfalle for a fun twist. If you want a gluten-free option, use gluten-free penne. Each pasta shape holds sauce differently, so you will find a new favorite. Next, think about sausage options. Smoked sausage gives great flavor, but chicken or turkey sausage works well too. For a veggie option, look for plant-based sausage. These swaps keep the dish tasty and fun. Adding veggies can enhance this dish. Spinach or mushrooms add nutrition and flavor. Sauté them with the onion and bell pepper for a full taste. You can also try other vegetables like zucchini or asparagus. Cheese can change the game too. While pepper jack is creamy and spicy, you might enjoy mozzarella or cheddar. Mix different cheeses to find your perfect creamy blend. Each cheese brings its own special taste and texture. For those needing gluten-free meals, use gluten-free pasta and check sausage labels. Many brands offer gluten-free options, making it easy to enjoy this dish. If you want a vegan version, swap the sausage for a veggie alternative. Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without dairy. This way, everyone can enjoy One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta! To store your One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta, let it cool first. Transfer the pasta to an airtight container. This dish keeps well in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to label your container with the date you cooked it. If you want to freeze the dish, portion it into freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. For reheating, the stovetop is best to keep the texture nice. Just add a splash of chicken broth or water while heating. Stir often to prevent sticking. If you use the microwave, place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot. Avoid overcooking to keep it creamy. This dish takes about 30 minutes to make. It includes 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking. Cooking in one pot makes this quick and easy. You can enjoy a tasty meal in no time! Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sauce as usual. Let it cool, then store it in a container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy. Absolutely! If you like heat, add more Cajun seasoning. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. Start with a little, then taste as you go. This way, you can control the spice level to your liking. This pasta goes well with many sides. Consider a simple green salad or garlic bread. Roasted vegetables also pair nicely. For a lighter option, try steamed broccoli or green beans. These sides will round out your meal perfectly! This post covers a simple, tasty recipe for One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta. We explored the main ingredients, seasonings, and optional add-ins. The step-by-step instructions show you how to cook sausage and veggies, combine everything, and create a creamy dish. In conclusion, this pasta is easy to make and packed with flavor. Feel free to customize it to your taste. Remember to enjoy your meal while sharing it with friends or family. Happy cooking!

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Indulge in the rich flavors of One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta! This easy and delicious recipe combines smoked sausage, penne pasta, and a blend of Cajun spices for a hearty meal that cooks up in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this creamy pasta dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. Click to discover how to whip up this flavorful one-pot wonder that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) penne pasta

1 lb (450g) smoked sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Sauté the Sausage: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and sizzling.

    Cook the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

      Add Spices: Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Stir the mixture well and cook for an additional minute to allow the spices to bloom and infuse their flavors into the dish.

        Incorporate the Broth and Pasta: Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta, stirring to ensure it is evenly distributed. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Cook according to the pasta package instructions, typically around 11-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

          Creamy Finish: After the pasta has cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed (leave a little for a creamy texture), gently stir in the heavy cream. Let it heat through for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

            Melt the Cheese: Gradually add the shredded pepper jack cheese to the pot, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the pasta is creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

              Rest and Serve: Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy pasta in individual bowls, garnishing each with a generous sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley and an extra handful of pepper jack cheese for an appealing finish.

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