One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Imagine a cozy weeknight dinner where your kitchen fills with the aroma of sizzling Cajun sausage and garlic. This one-pot pasta wonder transforms basic ingredients into pure comfort food magic - all in under 30 minutes. The best part? You'll spend more time enjoying dinner than washing dishes.

I stumbled upon this cooking method during a particularly hectic week when I couldn't face another sink full of dishes. Now it's become our Thursday night tradition, with my kids hovering in the kitchen asking when the 'cheesy pasta' will be ready.

Essential Ingredients & Selection Tips

• Andouille Sausage: Look for good-quality Cajun andouille for authentic flavor. If cooking for sensitive palates, swap for smoked sausage
• Bowtie Pasta: These little bowties catch all the creamy sauce in their nooks. Any short pasta works, but you might need to adjust liquid
• Rotel Tomatoes: The original adds perfect heat, but mild works great for kid-friendly versions
• Heavy Cream: Creates that silky sauce that coats every bite. Don't skimp here - it's worth it
• Cheddar Cheese: Freshly grated melts better than pre-shredded
• Cajun Seasoning: Start with less and adjust - some brands pack more heat than others

Pin it

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Sausage Sizzle

Step 1:

Slice sausage into coins about ¼-inch thick

Step 2:

Heat your largest skillet over medium heat - no oil needed

Step 3:

Cook until edges turn golden brown and crispy

Step 4:

Remove to a paper towel, leaving those flavorful drippings behind

Building Flavors

Step 1:

Lower heat slightly

Step 2:

Add minced garlic to those precious sausage drippings

Step 3:

Stir constantly until fragrant - about 30 seconds

Step 4:

This is your flavor foundation - don't let it burn

Creating The Magic

Step 1:

Pour in chicken broth, watching it sizzle and deglaze the pan

Step 2:

Add Rotel tomatoes with their juices - they bring life to the sauce

Step 3:

Stir in cream, letting it blend with the broth

Step 4:

Drop in dry pasta, giving everything a good stir

Step 5:

Cover and let it bubble gently for about 14 minutes

Step 6:

Stir occasionally, making sure pasta cooks evenly

The Final Touch

Step 1:

Once pasta is tender, add sausage back to the pan

Step 2:

Sprinkle cheese in gradually, stirring until melty

Step 3:

Let it rest for 2-3 minutes to thicken up

Step 4:

Give it a final taste, adding Cajun seasoning if needed

Last week, I tossed in some bell peppers from the garden and mushrooms that needed using up. My picky teenager didn't even notice the extra vegetables hiding in all that creamy goodness.

Make It Your Own

The beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility. Some nights I'll add shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking. Other times, I'll toss in leftover rotisserie chicken. Yesterday's version included bright strips of red and yellow peppers that made it look like it came from a restaurant kitchen.

Pin it

Kitchen Wisdom

You'll know the pasta is perfect when it's tender but still has a slight bite. Keep an eye on the liquid level - if it seems dry before pasta is done, add a splash more broth. Too wet? Just let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.

There's something magical about watching this dish come together. Maybe it's how the sauce gets richer and creamier with each stir, or the way the kitchen fills with those mouthwatering aromas. Whatever it is, this pasta has become my reliable crowd-pleaser, whether I'm feeding my family on a busy weeknight or having friends over for an impromptu dinner. It's proof that comfort food doesn't need to be complicated to be absolutely delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this less spicy for kids?

Yes, use mild smoked sausage instead of Cajun andouille and use mild diced tomatoes. Add Cajun seasoning to taste.

→ What vegetables can I add to this pasta?

You can add mushrooms, broccoli, asparagus, onions, or bell peppers. Sauté harder vegetables with the garlic.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

While bowtie pasta works great, any medium-sized pasta shape will work well in this recipe.

→ How do I prevent the dish from being too salty?

Check your Cajun seasoning - if salt is the first ingredient, start with less and adjust to taste after cooking.

→ Can I add other proteins?

Yes, you can add or substitute with cooked chicken or shrimp for variety.