One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Deliciously creamy Cajun pasta made in a single pot! My favourite half about this recipe is the sauce: it’s wealthy and tacky with a bit spicy kick. Rigatoni pasta shapes lure that sauce fantastically, and smoky Andouille sausage makes it really feel hearty and filling.

For extra Cajun taste, attempt our Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta or our Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta.

If you want one thing quick however nonetheless full of taste, this one-pot Cajun sausage pasta delivers. This recipe retains issues easy by cooking the pasta proper within the sauce, so it soaks up each little bit of taste when you chill out. We’re speaking full-on consolation meals vibes with out spending all night time within the kitchen. It’s a weeknight win!

Ingredient Notes

• Olive Oil: Any impartial oil will work, like avocado, canola, or vegetable.
• Onion: A medium yellow or white onion works.
• Purple Bell Pepper: Purple, orange, and yellow are sweeter, whereas inexperienced are sometimes cheaper. You possibly can substitute crimson with any of the above.
• Andouille Sausage: If you happen to can’t discover andouille, kielbasa or one other smoked sausage may also work.
• Garlic: Recent garlic is most popular, or you should use the jarred variety. You possibly can substitute 1 teaspoon garlic powder in case you don’t have the others.
• Cajun Seasoning: This mix might be bought at most grocery shops within the spice aisle, however we want to make our own.
• Rigatoni or Penne: You desire a pasta that can maintain that scrumptious, creamy sauce! Any tube-shaped pasta will work.
• Diced Tomatoes: You should use fire-roasted tomatoes as a substitute for a bit extra taste.
• Heavy Cream: Additionally labeled Heavy Whipping Cream. If it’s good to lighten issues up, you should use half-and-half, nevertheless it’ll be a thinner sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: For the very best taste, keep away from pre-grated cheese, as they’ve anti-caking components that may have a grainy texture.

Andouille Sausage

You possibly can normally discover andouille sausage within the meat part of most US grocery shops, typically close to different smoked or precooked sausages. It’s usually offered in a hyperlink that’s lengthy and curved.

If you happen to can’t discover andouille sausage, kielbasa, smoked sausage, and even cooked chorizo are nice choices. Need it gentle? Use candy Italian sausage and add a pinch of smoked paprika.

Adjusting the Warmth Stage

Extra Warmth: If you happen to love a spicy kick, there are many methods to amp up the warmth on this dish! Improve the quantity of cayenne pepper in your Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of crimson pepper flakes. You possibly can even drizzle in a little bit of your favourite scorching sauce for an additional punch.

Much less Warmth: For many who want a milder taste, merely omit the cayenne pepper within the home made Cajun seasoning or select a pre-made seasoning mix labeled as gentle.

Variations

Prepared to modify issues up a bit extra and make it your individual?

Make it lighter: Use half-and-half as a substitute of heavy cream. The sauce will probably be thinner, however nonetheless tasty!

Go veggie-heavy: Toss in a handful of spinach on the finish or sauté mushrooms along with your onions and peppers.

Gluten-free choice: Use a gluten-free penne or rotini that holds up nicely to simmering.

Suggestions for Success

Don’t Skip the Slurry: It’d really feel like an additional step, however that is what makes the sauce additional silky and coats the pasta completely.

Use Low-Sodium Broth: Between the sausage, cheese, and Cajun seasoning, the salt provides up quick. Beginning with low-sodium broth offers you higher management.

Need it thicker? After stirring within the cream and cheese, simmer uncovered for a pair minutes extra. It’ll thicken up much more because it cools.

Serving Solutions

This one-pot pasta is an entire meal by itself, however in case you’re on the lookout for a bit one thing additional to pair with this dish, we’ve bought you coated. We love our Easy Skillet Cornbread, particularly with something Cajun! If you happen to’re not a fan of cornbread, attempt our Rapid-Rise Skillet Rolls. This pasta is hearty sufficient to face by itself, however if you would like sides, attempt: