Deliciously creamy Cajun pasta made in a single pot! My favourite half about this recipe is the sauce: it’s wealthy and tacky with just a little 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 a brilliant simple, one-pot pasta dinner.
• Pasta cooks straight within the sauce to take in all the flavour and maintain issues simple.
• Creamy, tacky, spicy, and quick. What’s to not love?

Whenever 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 when you loosen up. 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.
• Pink Bell Pepper: Pink, orange, and yellow are sweeter, whereas inexperienced are sometimes cheaper. You possibly can substitute pink with any of the above.
• Andouille Sausage: In case you can’t discover andouille, kielbasa or one other smoked sausage may also work.
• Garlic: Recent garlic is most well-liked, or you should use the jarred type. You possibly can substitute 1 teaspoon garlic powder for those who don’t have the others.
• Cajun Seasoning: This mix might be bought at most grocery shops within the spice aisle, however we choose to make our personal.
• Rigatoni or Penne: You need a pasta that may maintain that scrumptious, creamy sauce! Any tube-shaped pasta will work.
• Diced Tomatoes: You should utilize fire-roasted tomatoes as an alternative for just a little extra taste.
• Heavy Cream: Additionally labeled Heavy Whipping Cream. If it’s essential lighten issues up, you should use half-and-half, nevertheless 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 possibly can normally discover andouille sausage within the meat part of most US grocery shops, usually close to different smoked or precooked sausages. It’s sometimes bought in a hyperlink that’s lengthy and curved.

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

Adjusting the Warmth Degree

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

Much less Warmth: For many who choose a milder taste, merely omit the cayenne pepper within the home made Cajun seasoning or select a pre-made seasoning mix labeled as delicate.

Variations

Prepared to modify issues up just a little extra and make it your personal?

Make it lighter: Use half-and-half as an alternative 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 choice: Use a gluten-free penne or rotini that holds up effectively 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 Strategies

This one-pot pasta is an entire meal by itself, however for those who’re on the lookout for just a little one thing further to pair with this dish, we’ve bought you lined. We love our Simple Skillet Cornbread, particularly with something Cajun! In case you’re not a fan of cornbread, attempt our Speedy-Rise Skillet Rolls. This pasta is hearty sufficient to face by itself, however if you need sides, attempt: