Description
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a flavorful and hearty dish featuring spicy andouille sausage, tender rigatoni pasta, and a rich, creamy Cajun-infused sauce. Cooked all in one pot, it combines diced tomatoes, chicken broth, aromatic vegetables, and Cajun seasoning to deliver a comforting, quick-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 12 ounces andouille sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 pound rigatoni (or penne)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 12 ounces of andouille sausage slices and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes until they are nicely browned.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced yellow onion and red bell pepper to the pan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften and become fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Cajun Seasoning: Stir in 1 tablespoon minced garlic and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Cook for about 1 minute to toast the spices and develop flavor.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in 4 cups chicken broth, undrained diced tomatoes from both cans, and 1 pound rigatoni. Stir everything together and press the pasta beneath the liquid to ensure even cooking.
- Simmer Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 to 18 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender but still firm.
- Create Cornstarch Slurry: Remove about 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid from the pot and place it in a small bowl. Whisk 2 tablespoons cornstarch into the liquid until fully dissolved, forming a slurry. Pour this mixture back into the pot and stir to combine.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese. Simmer uncovered for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the cheese has melted completely.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the pot from heat. Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve the creamy Cajun sausage pasta warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute andouille sausage with smoked kielbasa or another smoked sausage for a different flavor profile.
- If you want a lighter dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Fresh parsley is optional but adds a nice fresh color and mild herb flavor.
- Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally while simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
