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- 12 oz penne pasta - 1 lb Andouille sausage, sliced - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving You can adjust the measurements to fit your needs. If you prefer a different pasta, you can use rigatoni or fusilli. For a lighter option, swap heavy cream for milk or a plant-based cream. If Andouille sausage isn't available, try smoked sausage or chicken sausage. This dish remains delicious with these changes. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh vegetables add more flavor and nutrients. They create a bright and colorful dish. Fresh herbs like parsley enhance the taste and make the meal look great. Fresh ingredients help you enjoy the best flavors in your One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta. Gather all your ingredients first. This makes cooking easy and fun. You need: - 12 oz penne pasta - 1 lb Andouille sausage, sliced - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving Chop your veggies and slice the sausage. This step helps the food cook evenly. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm up. Then, add the sliced sausage. Cook until it turns brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. This gives the sausage great flavor. Now, toss in the diced onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook until the veggies soften, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the Cajun seasoning. Mix well to coat everything in the pot. Next, pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring it all to a boil. Once boiling, drop in the penne pasta. Stir to make sure the pasta is covered by the liquid. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender. Once the pasta cooks, add the heavy cream. Let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes. This will make your sauce creamy and rich. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the pot from the heat. Let it sit for a couple of minutes. This helps the flavors meld together. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. If your pasta sticks together, make sure you stir it well while it cooks. This helps it stay separate. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth. For a thinner sauce, just keep stirring and simmering. If you want more heat, add extra Cajun seasoning or hot sauce to kick it up a notch. To boost flavor, use fresh herbs like parsley or basil. They add bright notes. You can also squeeze fresh lemon juice on top before serving. This adds a nice zing. If you want more heat, add cayenne pepper or extra Cajun seasoning. Just a pinch can make a big difference. A large pot is key for this dish. It should have a heavy bottom to ensure even cooking. A wooden spoon works great for stirring. You can also use a spatula to scrape the bottom. If you have a lid, use it to help the pasta cook faster. To make sure your pasta is not mushy, check it a few minutes before the time is up. Stir it often while it cooks. This helps it cook evenly. When you add the cream, turn the heat down a bit. This keeps the sauce smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Instead of Andouille sausage, use plant-based sausage. You can also add more veggies, like zucchini or mushrooms. These additions will keep the dish hearty and flavorful. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully meat-free option. The Cajun seasoning still shines through, giving you that spicy kick. If you want to switch up the protein, try chicken or shrimp. For chicken, dice it into small pieces and cook it until golden brown. If you prefer shrimp, add them in during the last few minutes of cooking. They cook quickly and soak up the flavors. You can even use a mix of proteins for a delightful twist. Adjusting the spice level is easy! If you like it hot, add more Cajun seasoning. You can also include a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat. For a milder dish, cut back on the seasoning. Adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme can also enhance the flavor without increasing heat. Taste as you go and find your perfect balance! To store your One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta, let it cool first. Once cool, put it in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh for up to three days. Be sure to press out extra air before sealing. Label your container with the date to track freshness. You can freeze this pasta for up to three months. Start by cooling it completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. If you use a bag, remove as much air as possible. For best results, portion it out. This way, you can thaw only what you need later. When you're ready to enjoy your pasta again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For quick reheating, use a microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. If you prefer, reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy. Cook it over low heat until warmed through. Enjoy your tasty meal just like before! To add more spice, use extra Cajun seasoning. You can also add crushed red pepper flakes. If you like heat, try using spicy Andouille sausage. The more spice you add, the hotter the dish will be. Start with a little, then taste and adjust. This way, you control the heat level just right for you. Yes, you can use other pasta types! Bowtie, fusilli, or even spaghetti work well. Just keep in mind that cooking times may change. If you pick a thicker pasta, it may take longer to cook. Always check the pasta for doneness before serving. This keeps your dish perfect every time. To make this dish gluten-free, select gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer good options that taste great. Check the label to make sure the pasta fits your needs. Also, be careful with the chicken broth. Some brands may contain gluten, so choose a certified gluten-free broth. This way, everyone can enjoy this creamy Cajun sausage pasta! This blog post covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Fresh ingredients boost flavor and texture. I also shared variations and storage info to keep your dish at its best. Remember, you can adjust spice levels or try new proteins. If you face any issues, revisit the cooking steps. Use these insights to make a dish that you and others will enjoy. Happy cooking!

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Discover the ultimate comfort dish with this One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta! This easy recipe combines tender penne pasta, savory Andouille sausage, and vibrant vegetables all cooked in one pot for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. Enjoy a delicious meal in just 30 minutes that your family will love. Click to explore the full recipe and uncover tips for making this creamy, spicy pasta dish your new favorite weeknight dinner!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz penne pasta

1 lb Andouille sausage, sliced

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced Andouille sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

    Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell peppers to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.

      Stir in the Cajun seasoning, mixing well to coat the sausage and vegetables.

        Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil.

          Add the penne pasta to the pot, stirring to ensure it is submerged in the liquid. Cover and reduce heat to low, allowing it to simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.

            Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

              Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes.

                Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh parsley and topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

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