Deliciously creamy Cajun pasta made in a single pot! My favourite half about this recipe is the sauce: it’s wealthy and tacky with a bit of spicy kick. Rigatoni pasta shapes lure that sauce fantastically, and smoky Andouille sausage makes it really feel hearty and filling.

For extra Cajun taste, attempt our Creamy Cajun Rooster Pasta or our Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta.

Why My Recipe

• Daring Cajun spices in an excellent straightforward, one-pot pasta dinner.
• Pasta cooks straight within the sauce to take in all the flavour and preserve issues straightforward.
• Creamy, tacky, spicy, and quick. What’s to not love?

If you want one thing quick however nonetheless filled with taste, this one-pot Cajun sausage pasta delivers. This recipe retains issues easy by cooking the pasta proper within the sauce, so it soaks up each little bit of taste whilst you chill out. We’re speaking full-on consolation meals vibes with out spending all evening within the kitchen. It’s a weeknight win!

Ingredient Notes

• Olive Oil: Any impartial oil will work, like avocado, canola, or vegetable.
• Onion: A medium yellow or white onion works.
• Crimson Bell Pepper: Crimson, orange, and yellow are sweeter, whereas inexperienced are sometimes cheaper. You may substitute purple with any of the above.
• Andouille Sausage: If you happen to can’t discover andouille, kielbasa or one other smoked sausage will even work.
• Garlic: Recent garlic is most popular, or you should utilize the jarred type. You may substitute 1 teaspoon garlic powder if you happen to don’t have the others.
• Cajun Seasoning: This mix might be bought at most grocery shops within the spice aisle, however we want to make our personal.
• Rigatoni or Penne: You desire a pasta that can maintain that scrumptious, creamy sauce! Any tube-shaped pasta will work.
• Diced Tomatoes: You need to use fire-roasted tomatoes as a substitute for a bit of extra taste.
• Heavy Cream: Additionally labeled Heavy Whipping Cream. If you’ll want to lighten issues up, you should utilize half-and-half, however it’ll be a thinner sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: For one of the best taste, keep away from pre-grated cheese, as they’ve anti-caking components that may have a grainy texture.

Andouille Sausage

You may often discover andouille sausage within the meat part of most US grocery shops, usually close to different smoked or precooked sausages. It’s sometimes offered in a hyperlink that’s lengthy and curved.

If you happen to can’t discover andouille sausage, kielbasa, smoked sausage, and even cooked chorizo are nice choices. Need it gentle? Use candy Italian sausage and add a pinch of smoked paprika.

Adjusting the Warmth Degree

Extra Warmth: If you happen to love a spicy kick, there are many methods to amp up the warmth on this dish! Improve the quantity of cayenne pepper in your Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of purple pepper flakes. You may even drizzle in a little bit of your favourite sizzling sauce for an additional punch.

Much less Warmth: For individuals who want a milder taste, merely omit the cayenne pepper within the do-it-yourself Cajun seasoning or select a pre-made seasoning mix labeled as gentle.

Variations

Prepared to modify issues up a bit of extra and make it your personal?

Make it lighter: Use half-and-half as a substitute of heavy cream. The sauce can be thinner, however nonetheless tasty!

Go veggie-heavy: Toss in a handful of spinach on the finish or sauté mushrooms together with your onions and peppers.

Gluten-free possibility: Use a gluten-free penne or rotini that holds up properly to simmering.

Suggestions for Success

Don’t Skip the Slurry: It’d really feel like an additional step, however that is what makes the sauce further silky and coats the pasta completely.

Use Low-Sodium Broth: Between the sausage, cheese, and Cajun seasoning, the salt provides up quick. Beginning with low-sodium broth provides you higher management.

Need it thicker? After stirring within the cream and cheese, simmer uncovered for a pair minutes extra. It’ll thicken up much more because it cools.

Serving Ideas

This one-pot pasta is an entire meal by itself, however if you happen to’re in search of a bit of one thing further to pair with this dish, we’ve bought you lined. We love our Straightforward Skillet Cornbread, particularly with something Cajun! If you happen to’re not a fan of cornbread, attempt our Fast-Rise Skillet Rolls. This pasta is hearty sufficient to face by itself, however in order for you sides, attempt: