Make this easy, one-pot creamy Cajun sausage pasta for a flavorful weeknight dinner. It uses bold Cajun spices and smoked sausage, offering maximum flavor with minimal cleanup in under 30 minutes.
Author:Leo
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:20 min
Total Time:30 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Cajun
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound smoked andouille sausage, sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust for spice level)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
3 cups chicken broth
12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice) and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Add the dry pasta to the boiling liquid. Stir well to prevent sticking. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer according to the pasta package directions until the pasta is nearly tender, stirring occasionally, about 10 to 12 minutes.
Stir in the cream cheese cubes until they melt into the sauce. Then, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for 2 more minutes until heated through.
Taste the pasta and add salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a spicier dish, use a hotter andouille sausage or add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper with the other spices.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow the pasta to simmer uncovered for the last few minutes of cooking time to let some liquid evaporate.
You can substitute smoked turkey sausage for a slightly leaner option.