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One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

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4.2 from 14 reviews

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a flavorful and hearty meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It features spicy andouille sausage, sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers, and gluten-free penne pasta simmered in a savory Cajun-spiced broth and finished with creamy cream cheese for a rich texture. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a comforting, all-in-one dish with a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Sausage and Vegetables

  • 13 oz. andouille sausage links (about 4 links), sliced into medallions
  • 6 oz. fresh baby bella mushrooms, cleaned and thinly sliced
  • 1/2 medium red bell pepper, stemmed, seeds removed, and thinly sliced
  • 1/2 medium yellow bell pepper, stemmed, seeds removed, and thinly sliced
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced

Pasta and Sauce

  • 12 oz. gluten-free penne pasta
  • 1/2 cup canned, diced fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 3 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons no-salt or low-salt Cajun seasoning mix
  • 8 oz. cream cheese
  • Salt, to taste

Garnish (Optional)

  • Fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
  • Red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Cook sausage: Heat a large skillet or braiser over medium heat and add the sliced andouille sausage medallions. Sear on both sides until they develop a slight crisp, about 4 minutes total. Remove the sausage and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil while keeping the flavorful sausage fat in the skillet.
  2. Cook veggies: In the same skillet with the reserved sausage oil, add the sliced mushrooms, red and yellow bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the mushrooms start to brown and the vegetables soften, releasing their aromas.
  3. Add liquids and pasta: Add the gluten-free penne pasta, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning to the skillet. Stir carefully to combine everything evenly. Place a lid on the skillet and bring the broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
  4. Simmer pasta: Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and let the pasta simmer uncovered or partially covered for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir every couple of minutes to prevent sticking and ensure the pasta cooks evenly until it is tender and al dente.
  5. Add cream cheese: Cut the cream cheese into chunks and add it to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese fully melts and creates a rich, thick, and creamy sauce coating the pasta and vegetables.
  6. Combine and serve: Return the cooked sausage medallions to the skillet. Add salt to taste, stir everything well to combine, and heat through briefly. Garnish with freshly chopped Italian parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • To crisp the sausage properly, make sure the skillet is hot before adding the sausage slices to avoid sticking and to develop color.
  • Stir the pasta frequently while simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure even cooking.
  • You can substitute regular penne pasta if gluten-free is not required.
  • If the sauce is too thick at the end, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference for milder or spicier results.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Cajun
  • Diet: Gluten Free