Make this flavorful, creamy Cajun sausage pasta in a single pot for quick preparation and minimal cleanup.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:35 min
Yield:4 servings
Category:Dinner
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Low Lactose
Ingredients
Scale
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound smoked sausage or Andouille sausage, sliced
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or more to taste)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
4 cups chicken broth
12 ounces dry pasta (penne or rotini work well)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 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 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pot.
Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the dry pasta to the boiling broth. Stir well.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. The pasta should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.
Stir in the cooked sausage, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Cook uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy. Do not let it boil after adding the cream.
Remove the pot from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
If the sauce seems too thick after adding the cream, stir in a splash of extra broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Use a good quality smoked sausage for the best flavor in this dish.
For a spicier dish, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce at the end.