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- 12 oz penne pasta - 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced (chicken or turkey recommended for a lighter option) - 1 medium onion, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice) - 3 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended) In this dish, penne pasta acts as the heart. It holds onto all the sauce and flavors. The smoked sausage adds a rich, savory note. Chicken or turkey gives a lighter touch. Diced onion and red bell pepper bring a sweet crunch. Minced garlic adds depth. Diced tomatoes provide acidity and moisture. Chicken broth makes it all come together, enhancing the flavor. - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper, to taste Cajun seasoning brings heat and warmth to the dish. Paprika adds a smoky flavor. Cayenne pepper can kick up the spice. Heavy cream makes it rich and silky. Shredded cheddar cheese adds a cheesy finish. Olive oil helps sauté the sausage and veggies. Salt and pepper balance everything out. - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Alternative cheese options Fresh parsley brightens up your plate. It adds color and a fresh taste. You can also swap in other cheeses if you want. Try mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist. These options can change the flavor while keeping it creamy. First, you need to heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. When the oil gets hot, add the sliced sausage. Cook the sausage for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir it often until it turns brown and crisp. This step adds great flavor to your dish. Next, it’s time to add some color and taste. Toss in the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté these veggies for about 3 to 4 minutes. Cook until the onion is soft and transparent. This mix makes your pasta more vibrant and tasty. Now, stir in the diced tomatoes along with their juice. Add the chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Bring this mixture to a simmer. You want it bubbling gently. This will blend all the flavors beautifully. Once it’s simmering, add the penne pasta to the pot. Make sure the pasta is well submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is al dente. This means it should be firm but cooked through. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. At this point, taste your dish and season with salt and pepper, if needed. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Serve it warm for a bold and flavorful meal! When making One-Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta, controlling the heat is key. Start with medium heat to brown the sausage well. This adds great flavor. After adding the vegetables, keep the heat moderate. This helps them soften without burning. When it’s time to cook the pasta, make sure it’s fully submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot to help the pasta cook evenly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. To make your dish even better, play with spices. You can try adding dried thyme or oregano for a herbal touch. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors. If you like it spicy, add more cayenne pepper. You can also mix in a dash of hot sauce. Each adjustment brings a unique twist to this dish. Presentation matters! Serve the pasta in big bowls for a cozy feel. Top with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Add an extra sprinkle of cheese on top for richness. For sides, consider a crisp salad or garlic bread. These pair well and round out your meal. Enjoy your flavorful feast! {{image_2}} You can change the sausage to fit your taste. Chicken or turkey sausage works well. If you want a vegetarian option, try plant-based sausage or mushrooms. For dairy, swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. These swaps keep the dish rich and creamy while catering to different diets. Want more heat? Add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper. You can also use hot sauce to boost the spice. Start with a little and taste as you go. This way, you can find the perfect heat level for your dish. If you need gluten-free pasta, use penne made from rice or quinoa. These options cook well in the sauce. You can also add vegetables like zucchini or squash for more texture. Just slice them thin, so they cook evenly. To store leftovers, place the pasta in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before reheating. For the best taste, reheat in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy. Stir often to avoid sticking. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps it heat evenly. If you want to save some for later, freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container. It will last for about two months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a bit of broth to restore the creamy texture. You can use turkey or chicken sausage. These options give a lighter taste. For a vegetarian choice, try plant-based sausage. These swaps keep the dish tasty and flavorful. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sausage, then store in the fridge. Keep the sauce separate until you’re ready to eat. This helps keep the pasta from getting mushy. When ready to serve, heat everything together. To add spice, use hot sauce or more cayenne pepper. You can also mix in diced jalapeños for extra heat. Taste as you go, so you get the right level of spice. Adjusting spice makes this dish fun and exciting! This blog post covered a tasty pasta dish with smoked sausage, veggies, and spices. We explored the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned how to cook and store leftovers, plus ways to customize flavors. Enjoying this dish can bring comfort and warmth to your meal. Feel free to experiment with ingredients and spices. The best part? You can make it your own!

One-Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta

Dive into the deliciousness of One-Pot Spicy Cajun Sausage Pasta, a quick and hearty recipe that's perfect for any night! With smoked sausage, colorful veggies, and a creamy Cajun sauce, this dish is bursting with flavor and made in just one pot for easy clean-up. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, you won’t want to miss out. Click to discover all the steps and make this tasty meal tonight!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz penne pasta

1 lb smoked sausage, sliced (chicken or turkey recommended for a lighter option)

1 medium onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)

3 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

      Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

        Once simmering, add the penne pasta to the pot, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.

          Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

            Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

              Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4-6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in large bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of cheese for a vibrant touch.