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To make One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta, you will need: - 12 oz penne pasta - 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Chopped fresh parsley for garnish If you need alternatives for some ingredients, here are a few options: - Penne pasta: You can use rotini or fusilli if you prefer. - Smoked sausage: Try turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a lighter version. - Heavy cream: Substitute with half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free option. - Cajun seasoning: Make your own with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and oregano. - Cheddar cheese: Use mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavors. To prepare this dish, gather these essential tools: - Large pot or Dutch oven - Cutting board and sharp knife - Wooden spoon or spatula - Measuring cups and spoons - Ladle for serving These tools will help you create this delicious meal with ease. Enjoy the process of making this creamy delight! Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often. You want it browned and tasty. Once done, remove the sausage and set it aside. This step adds depth to your dish. In the same pot, toss in the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes. You’re looking for them to soften up a bit. Then, mix in the minced garlic. Cook for another minute. You should smell a wonderful aroma! Now, add the penne pasta to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, add the Cajun seasoning, and mix in the halved cherry tomatoes. Stir well to combine everything. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and cook according to the pasta package, usually about 12 to 14 minutes. Stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick. Once the pasta is cooked and most of the broth is absorbed, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce looks creamy. If it's too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out a bit. This is where the magic happens! Return the browned sausage to the pot. Stir until everything is heated through. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. For a nice touch, serve in bowls and top with freshly chopped parsley. You can even sprinkle more cheese on top for extra flavor! To make your dish pop, use fresh herbs. Chopped parsley adds brightness. You can also try fresh basil or thyme. They bring extra depth. Don't forget to taste as you cook. Adjust salt and pepper to suit your taste. A splash of lemon juice can brighten the dish too! For the best creaminess, use full-fat heavy cream. It blends well with the cheese. If you want more creaminess, add a bit of cream cheese. Stir it in when you add the heavy cream. This will give you an even richer sauce. Always mix well to combine everything smoothly. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Follow the package time, but check it a minute early. You want it al dente, not mushy. Another error is adding cheese too soon. Wait until the pasta absorbs most of the broth. This helps achieve a creamy texture without clumps. Lastly, don’t skip the seasoning. It’s key to a tasty dish! {{image_2}} To make a vegetarian version of this dish, swap the sausage for plant-based sausage. You can also add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This keeps the creamy texture while adding great flavor. If you like heat, add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. You can use a spicier Cajun seasoning as well. This twist gives the dish an exciting kick. Adjust the heat to suit your taste. While penne works well, feel free to try other pasta shapes. Fusilli or farfalle are great options. Each shape holds the sauce differently, which can change your dish's texture. Experiment to find your favorite. After enjoying your One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta, let it cool. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. This helps keep the flavors fresh and tasty. To reheat, place the pasta in a pot over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to help it warm up. Stir regularly to prevent sticking. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to freeze your pasta, let it cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It will last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for best results. Yes, you can use different sausages. Chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even vegetarian sausage work well. Each type adds its own flavor. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if needed. Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free. Use gluten-free penne pasta. It cooks similarly to regular pasta. Check the package for cooking times. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. To add heat, increase the Cajun seasoning. You can also add red pepper flakes. Another option is to include diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. Adjust the spice to your taste. Feel free to add any veggies you like! Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms fit well. Just sauté them with the onions and peppers. This boosts flavor and adds nutrition. Yes, half-and-half can replace heavy cream. Your sauce will be less rich but still creamy. If you want more thickness, add a little extra cheese. This keeps the dish flavorful and satisfying. This blog covered key ingredients for easy cooking. I shared ingredient swaps and tools you need. We went through step-by-step ways to cook each dish, making it creamy and tasty. I also added tips to boost flavor and avoid mistakes. You can explore fun variations, storage methods, and answers to common questions. Cooking can be simple and fun. I hope you feel ready to try your own dishes!

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Savor the rich flavors of this One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta that brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table. With just a few simple ingredients, you'll whip up a creamy, cheesy dish in no time! This recipe features smoked sausage, vibrant vegetables, and a kick of Cajun seasoning, all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup. Click through for step-by-step instructions and make your next meal unforgettable!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz penne pasta

1 lb smoked sausage, sliced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or green), diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Sauté the Sausage: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside.

    Cook the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

      Add the Pasta and Liquid: Add the penne pasta, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, and cherry tomatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover. Cook according to pasta package instructions, usually about 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally.

        Make it Creamy: Once the pasta is cooked and most of the broth has been absorbed, stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

          Finalize and Serve: Return the browned sausage to the pot and stir until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

            - Presentation Tips: Serve in bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. You can also sprinkle additional cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4