One Pot Creamy Cajun Beef Sausage Pasta

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Beef Sausage Pasta takes the smoky, savory flavors of beef sausage and combines them with a creamy, spicy Cajun sauce and tender pasta. It’s a quick and flavorful meal that comes together in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish combines the rich, smoky flavors of beef sausage with the bold kick of Cajun seasoning, creating a savory and creamy pasta that’s full of flavor. The sauce is rich and cheesy, and the one-pot cooking method makes cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re cooking for your family or serving it at a gathering, this creamy Cajun beef sausage pasta will be a hit!

Ingredients

• 10 ounces beef sausage (such as Italian beef sausage or your favorite beef sausage variety)

• 4 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni)

• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)

• ½ cup diced onion

• 2 cups chicken broth (add more if needed)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)

• 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Chopped parsley for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Slice the beef sausage into thin rounds. Chop the bell peppers, onions, and spinach (if using). Measure out Cajun seasoning, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.

2. Cook the Beef Sausage and Veggies: In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced beef sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set it aside. In the same pot, add the diced bell peppers and onions, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened.

3. Create the Base: Stir in the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using), and cook for another minute to release the flavors of the spices. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

4. Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta directly into the pot with the simmering broth. Stir occasionally and cook until the pasta is al dente, about 10 minutes. Add more broth if needed to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.

5. Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes creamy.

6. Return the Sausage: Add the cooked beef sausage back into the pot and mix well, ensuring the sausage is evenly distributed in the creamy sauce.

7. Serve and Garnish: Top with fresh spinach (optional) and chopped parsley. For extra flavor, you can add red pepper flakes or more Cajun seasoning to taste.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Servings: 4 servings

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Toss in some mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.

• Spicy Version: Increase the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to make this dish spicier.

• Different Protein: Swap the beef sausage with chicken sausage or a plant-based sausage for a lighter version.

• Low-Carb Option: Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a lower-carb alternative.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes! You can swap the beef sausage for chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or plant-based sausage based on your preference.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the sausage and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just follow the remaining steps.

3. Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape works for this dish, such as farfalle, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just keep an eye on the cooking time for different pasta shapes.

4. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes! To make it spicier, add more cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chopped fresh chili peppers to the dish.

5. How do I know when the pasta is done?

The pasta is done when it’s al dente—tender but still slightly firm when bitten. Taste a piece to check the texture!

6. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 1 month. When reheating, you may need to add extra broth or cream to restore the creamy texture.

7. How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Make sure the heat is low when adding the cream, and stir constantly to prevent the sauce from separating. If it starts to separate, add a little extra broth or cream to bring it back together.

8. Can I use fresh cream instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can use fresh cream, but it will result in a lighter sauce. Heavy cream gives the dish a thicker, richer consistency.

9. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you want a thicker sauce, you can simmer it for a few extra minutes, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) during the final steps.

10. Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the Parmesan with Romano, Asiago, or even cheddar cheese for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Beef Sausage Pasta is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines savory beef sausage, spicy Cajun seasoning, and creamy cheese sauce into a hearty, comforting meal. With just one pot and 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week!

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