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To make this dish, gather these key ingredients: - 12 oz penne pasta - 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced - 1 medium onion, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley for garnish These ingredients create a rich and creamy pasta that bursts with flavor. If you need to adjust the recipe, here are some useful tips: - You can swap penne pasta for any short pasta, like fusilli or rigatoni. - Use turkey sausage for a leaner option. - Chicken broth can be replaced with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. - Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter sauce. These changes keep the dish tasty while meeting your needs. Want to make your dish even better? Here are some fun add-ins: - Add 1 cup of spinach or kale for extra greens. - Toss in some sliced mushrooms for an earthy taste. - A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can give it a spicy kick. - Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. These options boost flavor and nutrition, making the meal even more delightful. First, grab a large pot or a Dutch oven. Heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced sausage. Cook until browned, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. The sausage will add great flavor. After browning, remove the sausage and set it aside for later. Next, in the same pot, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want them to soften a bit. After that, toss in the minced garlic. Cook for another minute until you smell that wonderful aroma. Now it’s time to add more ingredients. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices. Then add the chicken broth and heavy cream. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and dried oregano. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well to make sure it mixes nicely. Once combined, add the penne pasta to the pot. Don’t forget to return the browned sausage to the mix. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally during this time. You want the pasta to cook al dente, and the sauce should thicken up nicely. When the pasta is ready, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and becomes creamy. Taste it and adjust seasoning if needed. For a lovely finish, garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This dish looks great in deep bowls. You might also add extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat. Enjoy your creamy Cajun pasta! - Use a large pot to give the pasta room to cook. - Stir the pasta often to prevent sticking. - Add the cheese last for a creamy finish. - Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. - Always taste as you cook to adjust seasonings. Cooking creamy pasta is easy with these tips. Make sure to use enough liquid. The pasta absorbs it while cooking. If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or cream. - Use fresh Cajun seasoning for a bold taste. - Add a splash of hot sauce for heat. - Sauté a few shrimp with the sausage for extra flavor. - Try adding celery or green onions to the mix. - Lemon juice adds brightness to the dish. Cajun flavors shine with spices and fresh ingredients. Don't be afraid to experiment. Each step adds a new layer of taste. - Don’t skip browning the sausage; it adds depth. - Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should be al dente. - Don’t forget to stir often; this helps mix flavors. - If the sauce is too runny, simmer longer. - Avoid using pre-grated cheese; it doesn't melt as well. These mistakes can change your dish. Pay attention to each step for the best results. Cooking can be simple with the right tips and tricks! {{image_2}} You can change this dish easily. Swap the smoked sausage for chicken or shrimp. Both add great flavors. Another option is to use turkey sausage for a leaner meal. Think about adding vegetables like spinach or zucchini. These add color and more nutrients. Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking. They will cook quickly without losing their crunch. Want a meatless meal? Just skip the sausage and use plant-based sausage instead. You can also use mushrooms for a hearty texture. For a vegan twist, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a cashew cream. This will keep the dish creamy and delicious. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor. This way, you can enjoy Cajun pasta without any animal products. While penne works great, you can use other shapes too. Fusilli or rigatoni can hold sauce well. If you're gluten-free, look for gluten-free pasta made from rice or quinoa. It cooks similarly and fits well in this dish. Just watch cooking time for different pasta shapes. No matter what, the creamy Cajun sauce will still shine through! To keep your One-Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature first. This step helps prevent moisture build-up. Place the container in the fridge. It can last for 3 to 5 days. Make sure to label the container with the date, so you know when to eat it. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, place the pasta in a bowl. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Heat it in short intervals, stirring in between. On the stovetop, warm it over low heat. Stir often until it's heated through. If you want to store it longer, freeze the pasta. Place the cooled pasta in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible. This keeps the pasta from getting freezer burn. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it as described above for a tasty meal ready to go! Yes, you can make this dish without sausage. You might try using mushrooms or a mix of veggies instead. This keeps the flavor and adds healthy options. You can also use plant-based sausage if you want a similar taste without meat. I suggest using penne pasta for this recipe. Penne holds the sauce well and adds a nice texture. You can also use rotini or fusilli if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed. To make the pasta spicier, add more Cajun seasoning. You can also sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes. If you want more heat, try adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Be careful not to add too much at once. Yes, you can prepare this in advance. Cook the pasta and sauce, then cool it down. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream. This blog post covered how to create a tasty one-pot creamy Cajun pasta. We looked at key ingredients, cooking steps, and storage tips. You learned how to avoid common mistakes and make delicious variations. In closing, experimenting with this recipe can lead to fun meals. Don't shy away from adding your twist! With simple changes, you can make this dish your own. Enjoy cooking and savoring your new favorite pasta!

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta with Sausage

Indulge in a delightful One-Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta with Sausage that’s perfect for any night of the week! This dish combines tender penne pasta, smoky sausage, and a rich creamy sauce infused with Cajun spices, all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a flavorful meal the whole family will love. Click to explore this simple and delicious recipe today!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz penne pasta

1 lb smoked sausage, sliced

1 medium onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside.

    In the same pot, add diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Then, add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

      Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

        Add the penne pasta to the pot, then return the sausage to the mixture. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

          Cover the pot and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked al dente and the sauce has thickened.

            Once cooked, remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

              Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in deep bowls, garnished with additional Parmesan and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick!