One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage

Weeknights feel so much easier with recipes like this one pot creamy Cajun sausage pasta up your sleeve. It takes pantry staples and transforms them into pure comfort food with just the right kick. You only need one pan so clean up is a breeze and the result is a velvety cheesy pasta packed with flavor that even picky eaters love.

I remember rushing home after a long day and tossing this together for the first time. My family could not believe how much it tasted like restaurant comfort in just a single pot and now it shows up on our dinner table every month.

Ingredients

• Cajun andouille sausage sliced into coins: Adds bold smoky flavor Choose a brand with good marbling for best taste
• Chopped garlic: Essential for a savory base Look for fresh firm cloves
• Chicken broth: Provides the liquid for cooking pasta and infuses everything with richness Opt for a low sodium option if seasoning is a concern
• Heavy cream: Makes the pasta ultra creamy Buy fresh for the silkiest sauce
• Rotel diced tomatoes and chilies: Offers tang a touch of heat and color Go for mild if your crew is spice sensitive
• Dry bowtie pasta: Great shape for catching sauce Check for even color and no cracks
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully into the sauce Choose sharp cheddar for a robust flavor
• Cajun seasoning: The spice blend that brings it all together Taste before adding more if yours contains lots of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Sausage:

Slice sausage into coins and place in a large skillet over medium heat Cook for about five minutes stirring occasionally until the pieces develop a golden brown crust This caramelizes the outside and brings out the smoky flavors

Sauté the Garlic:

Remove the sausage and set it aside on a paper towel lined plate Leave the rendered sausage grease in the pan Add the chopped garlic Sauté for one minute stirring constantly so it does not burn It should smell fragrant and just begin to turn golden

Build the Sauce:

Pour in the chicken broth heavy cream and the entire can of Rotel diced tomatoes and chilies Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning Stir everything together so the flavors combine and the mixture starts to warm through

Simmer the Pasta:

Stir in the dry bowtie pasta making sure it is mostly submerged in the liquid Cover the skillet with a tight fitting lid Turn the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about fourteen minutes Resist lifting the lid to keep the moisture in Check for doneness by sampling a pasta piece

Finish with Cheese and Sausage:

When the pasta is tender toss the sausage back into the skillet Turn off the heat Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese in two or three additions stirring gently after each so it melts smoothly Continue mixing until the sauce coats every piece and looks glossy and thick

Serve and Enjoy:

Spoon generous portions onto plates and serve hot The sauce will thicken as it sits so savor right away for maximum creaminess

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My favorite part of this recipe is the combination of Cajun spices and sharp cheddar It always brings back memories of family nights around the table passing the big skillet from hand to hand and laughing over seconds

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container This creamy pasta keeps well in the fridge for up to four days I gently reheat in a covered pan with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce To freeze scoop into freezer safe containers and enjoy within two months for best flavor

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the andouille sausage for turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version For vegetarian friendly just skip sausage entirely and add sautéed mushrooms or zucchini Any small pasta shape like penne or rotini will work in place of bowties If heavy cream is not on hand full fat coconut milk gives a different rich texture

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for freshness Garlic bread or warm rolls make a comforting side To balance the spice top with a spoonful of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley This also makes a hearty main for potlucks just keep it warm in a slow cooker

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Cultural Context

Cajun cuisine blends French and Southern cooking traditions with a love for bold flavors and hearty meals Andouille sausage is a staple for its smoky depth This dish captures the spirit of gathering around the table and celebrating simple ingredients transformed by spice and comfort

FAQs About the Recipe

→ How spicy is this Cajun sausage dish?

The heat level varies with your choice of sausage and Cajun seasoning. Use mild sausage or less seasoning for a gentler flavor.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, bowtie pasta is traditional, but penne, rotini, or shells also absorb flavors well and work nicely in one pot dishes.

→ What mix-ins go well with this?

You can add mushrooms, broccoli, asparagus, bell peppers, or even leftover chicken or shrimp for variety.

→ Is it possible to make this dish less creamy?

Reduce the heavy cream or use half-and-half for a lighter texture while still maintaining flavor and smoothness.

→ How do I avoid oversalting the meal?

Start with minimal Cajun seasoning, as sausage and broth add salt. Taste before adding more spice or salt at the end.