Description
A comforting, one-pot Cajun sausage pasta that cooks directly in a creamy, spicy sauce for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb Andouille sausage, sliced into half-moons
- 12 oz Penne or Rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 2 cups Low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 Onion, diced
- 1 Celery stalk, diced
- 1 Bell pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (e.g., Slap Ya Mama or Zatarain’s)
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 Shallot, minced
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 Green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice the andouille sausage into half-moon shapes. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and sear the sausage in a single layer for 3-4 minutes until browned. Flip and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove sausage and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onions, celery, and bell peppers to the pot. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and shallots, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the vegetables and stir constantly for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
- Add the uncooked pasta to the pot, stirring to coat in the seasoned fat. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover with a lid slightly ajar and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes, until pasta is al dente.
- If the sauce is too thin, uncover and cook for 2 more minutes. If too thick, add a splash of broth. Stir in the cooked sausage and grated parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Remove from heat. Stir in green onions and parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not skip searing the sausage to build flavor. Watch the heat closely to prevent scorching. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. If using gluten-free pasta, add extra broth and check frequently as it absorbs liquid differently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 1200
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 25
Keywords: Cajun sausage pasta, one pot dinner, easy weeknight meal, creamy pasta, andouille sausage, quick dinner, comfort food