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- 12 oz penne pasta - 1 lb Andouille sausage, sliced into rounds - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) To make One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta, gather these ingredients first. The penne pasta serves as a hearty base for this dish. Andouille sausage adds a spicy kick that defines Cajun flavor. Diced tomatoes bring acidity and moisture, while chicken broth enhances the overall taste. Next, we need our vegetables. Onion and garlic provide depth. Bell peppers add sweetness and color. Using both red and green bell peppers makes the dish visually appealing. Finally, the seasoning and garnish elevate the dish. Cajun seasoning packs a punch. Olive oil helps sauté the sausage and vegetables. Fresh parsley adds a bright touch, and Parmesan cheese rounds it all off. With these ingredients ready, you’re set to create a satisfying meal. This dish is simple yet packed with flavor. It’s a good choice for busy nights or gatherings. Enjoy the process of cooking and savor the final result! To start, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced Andouille sausage. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir often to get a nice brown color. This browning brings out the sausage's rich flavors. Next, add the finely diced onion, minced garlic, and both diced bell peppers into the pot. Sauté them for around 3 to 4 minutes. You want them to soften and smell great. This step builds a wonderful base for your dish. Now, pour in the can of diced tomatoes, including all the juices, and the chicken broth. Increase the heat. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil while stirring. This helps combine all the flavors. Add the penne pasta into the pot. Stir well to make sure it's under the liquid. Cover the pot and lower the heat. Let it simmer for about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to stop it from sticking. The pasta should be tender and soak up the sauce. Once your pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes. This makes the sauce creamy and rich. Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve your creamy Cajun sausage pasta warm. For a nice touch, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. Also, add grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. For a great presentation, serve it in bowls with a slice of crusty bread to enjoy with the sauce. Avoiding pasta stickiness To keep your pasta from sticking, stir it well when you add it to the pot. Make sure the penne is fully submerged in the sauce. Stir occasionally while it cooks. This will help the pasta stay separate and absorb flavors. Timing for the perfect texture Cook the pasta for 12-15 minutes at a low simmer. Check it a couple of minutes before the time is up. You want it al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. This will give you the best bite. Adjusting Cajun seasoning Start with two tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Taste the dish while cooking. If you want more heat, add a little extra. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out. Alternative herbs Fresh herbs can brighten your dish. If you like, add some thyme or oregano. These herbs pair well with Cajun flavors. Just sprinkle them in when you add the cream for a fresh touch. Pot or Dutch oven recommendations Use a large pot or a Dutch oven for this recipe. A heavy pot helps to cook evenly and keeps the heat consistent. An enameled cast iron Dutch oven works great, too. Utensils for best results A wooden spoon or a silicone spatula works best for stirring. These tools help you scrape the bottom of the pot. This will prevent any bits from sticking and burning. {{image_4}} You can easily change up the sausage in this dish. Try using chicken sausage or Italian sausage. Both add nice flavors, too. If you want a plant-based option, use vegan sausage. It works well in this recipe. For veggies, you can swap red and green bell peppers for others. Zucchini or spinach can add a fresh taste. Just chop them up and toss them in with the other vegetables. They will cook nicely. If you want to make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free penne pasta. There are many brands available now. Just check the label to be sure. To lighten up the creaminess, you can use half-and-half or coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Both will give you a nice texture without being too rich. Looking to spice things up? You can add a dash of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce. This will bring more heat and flavor to the dish. Cheese lovers can have fun here! Try adding smoked Gouda or pepper jack cheese for a twist. Just sprinkle it on top before serving for a melty finish. This dish lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. To reheat, just warm it on the stove over low heat. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Just cover it to keep moisture in. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely. Divide it into portions and use freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. The pasta can last up to 3 months in the freezer. For thawing, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess. You can prepare this recipe ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sausage as directed. Store them separately in airtight containers. When ready to eat, combine and reheat. This keeps the pasta from getting soggy. For leftovers, always cool before storing. This helps maintain the best texture and flavor. You can try several sausages. Some good substitutes are: - Italian sausage - Kielbasa - Chorizo Each will change the taste slightly. Italian sausage is milder. Chorizo adds smoky flavor. Kielbasa gives a nice twist, too. Choose based on your taste. Yes, you can use milk. However, the dish will taste different. Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and creamy. Milk will be thinner and less rich. You may need to add more seasoning to boost flavor. To add heat, consider these options: - Use hot Cajun seasoning - Add crushed red pepper flakes - Include diced jalapeños Start with a little, then taste. You can always add more spice if needed. Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. Here are some tips: - Store in airtight containers. - Keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. - Reheat in the microwave or on the stove. This pasta holds up well, making it easy to enjoy later! This blog covered a tasty dish made with penne pasta, Andouille sausage, and fresh veggies. We explored how to cook each ingredient perfectly and shared helpful tips for flavor and texture. You can also adjust the recipe based on your dietary needs or the ingredients you have. Finally, we've provided storage information and answers to common questions. Now, gather your ingredients and enjoy creating this delicious meal!

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Savor the rich flavors of One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta that's both simple and satisfying! This delicious dish combines zesty Andouille sausage, colorful vegetables, and creamy goodness all in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe takes just 30 minutes to prepare. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring a taste of Cajun cuisine to your dinner table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz penne pasta

1 lb Andouille sausage, sliced into rounds

1 medium onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions
 

Sauté the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced Andouille sausage. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sausage is well-browned and begins to release its flavorful oils.

    Add Vegetables: Incorporate the diced onion, minced garlic, and both bell peppers into the pot. Sauté the mixture for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant.

      Season the Mixture: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the sausage and vegetables. Stir well to ensure that everything is evenly coated with the spices, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

        Combine Liquid Ingredients: Pour in the diced tomatoes (including all their juices) and the chicken broth. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to combine.

          Cook the Pasta: Add the penne pasta into the pot, stirring to ensure it is fully submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and allow it to simmer for about 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the sauce.

            Add Cream: Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, stir in the heavy cream. Allow the pasta to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, which will help the sauce thicken to a creamy consistency.

              Season and Rest: Taste the dish and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference. Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a few minutes to settle the flavors.

                Serve: Serve the creamy Cajun sausage pasta warm, garnished with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and topped with grated Parmesan cheese for an added touch of flavor.

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

                    - Presentation Tips: For an appealing display, serve the pasta in individual bowls, with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a pinch of Cajun seasoning for color, alongside a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.