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For this delightful dish, you will need the following ingredients: - 12 oz penne pasta - 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into coins - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (choose either red or yellow), diced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish You can swap ingredients for what you have on hand. Use any pasta shape you like. Turkey sausage works well if you want a leaner option. For a lighter cream, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. If you prefer, use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Canned tomatoes with herbs add extra flavor too. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in flavor. Pick firm bell peppers and onions. Look for sausage that is high quality, as it adds depth to the dish. Use fresh garlic for the best taste. When choosing chicken broth, go for low-sodium to control salt levels. Lastly, fresh parsley brightens the dish, adding color and flavor. Start by slicing the smoked sausage into coins. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook it. Stir occasionally for about 5-7 minutes. You want the sausage to be browned and slightly crispy. This step adds great flavor to your dish. Next, add 1 medium diced onion, 1 diced bell pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Stir it all together. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the veggies soften and smell great. This process brings out the natural sweetness of the onion and pepper. Now, it's time to bring in flavor. Stir in 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, 1 can of undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies, and 4 cups of chicken broth. Turn up the heat and bring this mixture to a rolling boil. This will help combine the flavors well. Once boiling, add 12 oz of penne pasta to the pot. Stir to make sure the pasta is covered in the liquid. Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook for about 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. You want it to be al dente. After the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix it well until the cheese melts. This makes the sauce creamy and smooth, giving your dish a rich flavor. Taste your pasta and add salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. Once seasoned, ladle the creamy Cajun sausage pasta into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for color. Serve right away and enjoy the delightful flavors! Cooking pasta well makes a big difference. Always use a large pot with plenty of water. This helps the pasta cook evenly. Add salt to the water before boiling. A good rule is to use about one tablespoon of salt per gallon of water. Stir the pasta often while it cooks. This prevents it from sticking together. Cook it until it's al dente, which means firm to the bite. This way, it holds up in the sauce. Seasoning is key to a tasty dish. Cajun seasoning adds heat and depth. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice level. You can also add garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley brighten the dish. Don’t forget to taste before serving. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. This ensures your dish is packed with flavor. To make the sauce creamy, use heavy cream and mozzarella cheese. Add the cream after the pasta is cooked. This keeps it from curdling. Stir in the cheese once the cream is mixed in. This creates a rich and smooth texture. If the sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth. This helps you reach the perfect consistency. The goal is a creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Replace the smoked sausage with a meat alternative. Look for plant-based sausage brands that have Cajun flavors. You can also use mushrooms for a meaty texture. Cook them until they are browned, just like the sausage. Add your favorite veggies like zucchini or spinach to boost nutrients. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a rich taste. If you love heat, try adding more spice to your pasta. Use andouille sausage for a smokier, spicier kick. You can also add extra Cajun seasoning to the mix. For even more heat, toss in a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes when cooking. This will give your dish a fiery flavor that will make it memorable. Boost the flavor and nutrition by adding more veggies. Consider adding diced tomatoes, chopped spinach, or sliced mushrooms. You can also include broccoli or bell peppers for color and crunch. Sauté these veggies with the onion and garlic for the best taste. This not only makes your dish healthier but also adds more textures and flavors to enjoy. After enjoying this One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta, you may have some leftovers. To keep them fresh, place the pasta in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. It will stay good for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing the container. This step helps maintain the dish's rich flavors. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, reheating is simple. You can use the microwave or the stove. If using the microwave, place a portion in a bowl and cover it. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps avoid hot spots. If using the stove, add a splash of chicken broth to the pasta in a pan. Heat it over medium-low until warm, stirring often. This keeps the sauce creamy and tasty. Want to save some for later? You can freeze this dish too! Portion out the pasta into freezer-safe containers. Leave a little space at the top for expansion. Seal tightly and label with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw the pasta overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat it as mentioned above. Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Penne works well, but rotini or fusilli are great too. Just adjust the cooking time. Smaller pasta may cook faster, while larger shapes may take a bit longer. To add heat, use more Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Fresh jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes also work. Taste as you go to find your perfect spice level. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook it fully and let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove, adding a splash of broth to keep it creamy. This pasta pairs well with a fresh salad or garlic bread. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A light white wine can enhance the flavors too! In this blog post, we covered the essential ingredients and detailed steps to cook your dish. We explored ingredient substitutions and tips for freshness. I shared methods for prepping, sautéing, and combining flavors to create a perfect meal. Finally, we highlighted variations, storage methods, and FAQs for your convenience. Cooking can be fun and creative. Don't hesitate to experiment with your ingredients and flavors. Enjoy your delicious creation and share it with others!

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Indulge in a delicious One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor! This hearty dish features smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy sauce, all cooked in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's comforting and satisfying for the whole family. Don't miss out on this savory recipe – click through to explore the full instructions and bring a taste of Cajun cuisine to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz penne pasta

1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into coins

1 medium onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (choose either red or yellow), diced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Brown the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes.

    Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté the mixture for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and are fragrant.

      Add Liquids and Seasoning: Stir in the Cajun seasoning, the undrained canned tomatoes, and the chicken broth. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

        Cook the Pasta: Once boiling, add the penne pasta. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Allow to cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

          Make it Creamy: After the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until the cheese has melted completely, and the sauce has become creamy and smooth.

            Season to Perfection: Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. If the sauce appears too thick, feel free to add a splash more chicken broth to achieve your desired consistency.

              Serve and Garnish: Ladle the creamy Cajun sausage pasta into serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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