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Cheesy Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Creamy Cajun sausage pasta with penne in a glossy cheese sauce.
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This one-pot wonder is the ultimate weeknight comfort food. Smoked sausage and veggies are simmered in a creamy, cheesy Cajun-spiced sauce with pasta cooked right in the pot. It's quick, easy, and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound smoked sausage (like Andouille or Kielbasa), sliced into rounds
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust for heat preference)
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 pound short pasta (like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and the can of diced tomatoes with juices. Stir, scraping up browned bits from the pot bottom.
  4. Add the uncooked pasta to the pot, stirring to submerge. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
  5. Turn off the heat. Stir the browned sausage back into the pot. Gradually add shredded cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and serve immediately.

Notes

For a smoother sauce, shred cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded. If sauce is too thick after adding cheese, stir in a splash of warm broth or cream. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.stacksipsnack.com/cheesy-creamy-cajun-sausage-pasta/