Name: One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 19 min
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 (13oz) pack cajun andouille sausage, cut into coins; 1 tbsp chopped garlic; 1 (14.5oz) can chicken broth (about 2 cups); ½ cup heavy cream; 1 (10oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and chilies; 8 ounces dry bowtie pasta (½ pound or approximately 2 cups); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tsp cajun seasoning

One pot creamy Cajun sausage pasta served in a bowl with fresh herbs.

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Why Make This Recipe

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a delicious and easy meal that takes only one pot to prepare. It is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting dish without all the fuss. The bold flavors from the Cajun sausage combined with the creamy sauce and melted cheese create a hearty dinner that everyone will love. Plus, the convenience of cooking everything in one pot means less cleanup, which is always a win!

How to Make One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Ingredients:

1 (13oz) pack cajun andouille sausage (cut into coins)
1 tbsp chopped garlic
1 (14.5oz) can chicken broth (about 2 cups)
½ cup heavy cream
1 (10oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and chilies
8 ounces dry bowtie pasta (½ pound or approximately 2 cups)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp cajun seasoning (*see notes)

Directions:

In a large skillet (big enough to eventually fit the pasta and with a lid), cook the sausage over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until browned to your liking.
Remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Do not remove the sausage grease in the pan!
In the same skillet, sauté the garlic in the leftover sausage grease for about a minute. Then, pour in the can of chicken broth, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and about 1 tsp of Cajun seasoning.
Stir in the dry pasta, cover with the lid, and simmer on low for about 14 minutes.
Once the pasta is fully cooked, toss in the cooked sausage and a few cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Enjoy!

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Serve this dish hot straight from the skillet! You can sprinkle some extra Cajun seasoning on top for added flavor. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread to complete your meal.

How to Store One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Make sure to taste the pasta as it cooks to ensure it is cooked to your desired texture.
You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less Cajun seasoning based on your preferences.
For a little extra texture, consider adding some chopped bell peppers or spinach when sautéing the garlic.

Variation

To make this dish lighter, you could use chicken sausage instead of andouille for a less spicy option. You could also substitute whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can use any type of sausage that you like. Chicken sausage or turkey sausage could be good alternatives if you want to reduce the fat.

2. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! You can omit the sausage and use vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini along with vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
While it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture may change a bit upon reheating.