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 slightly spicy kick. Rigatoni pasta shapes lure that sauce superbly, 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 whilst you calm down. We’re speaking full-on consolation meals vibes with out spending all evening 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.
• Crimson Bell Pepper: Crimson, orange, and yellow are sweeter, whereas inexperienced are sometimes cheaper. You may substitute pink with any of the above.
• Andouille Sausage: In the event you can’t discover andouille, kielbasa or one other smoked sausage can even work.
• Garlic: Recent garlic is most well-liked, or you should use the jarred sort. You may substitute 1 teaspoon garlic powder if you happen to don’t have the others.
• Cajun Seasoning: This mix will be bought at most grocery shops within the spice aisle, however we favor 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 slightly extra taste.
• Heavy Cream: Additionally labeled Heavy Whipping Cream. If you’ll want to lighten issues up, you should use half-and-half, however 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 may 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.

In the event you 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: In the event you 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 pink pepper flakes. You may even drizzle in a little bit of your favourite scorching sauce for an additional punch.

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

Variations

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

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

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

Gluten-free possibility: Use a gluten-free penne or rotini that holds up effectively 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 further 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 Strategies

This one-pot pasta is an entire meal by itself, however if you happen to’re searching for slightly one thing further to pair with this dish, we’ve acquired you lined. We love our Easy Skillet Cornbread, particularly with something Cajun! In the event you’re not a fan of cornbread, attempt our Rapid-Rise Skillet Rolls. This pasta is hearty sufficient to face by itself, however in order for you sides, attempt: