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One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

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4.2 from 5 reviews

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner that combines spicy andouille sausage, sautéed vegetables, and creamy cheese sauce with gluten-free penne pasta. Cooked all in one skillet, it’s perfect for a hassle-free meal with customizable spice and creaminess levels.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Sausage

  • 13 oz. andouille sausage links (about 4 links), sliced into medallions

Vegetables

  • 6 oz. fresh baby bella mushrooms, cleaned and thinly sliced
  • ½ medium red bell pepper, stemmed, seeds removed, and thinly sliced
  • ½ medium yellow bell pepper, stemmed, seeds removed, and thinly sliced
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced

Pasta & Liquids

  • 12 oz. gluten-free penne pasta
  • ½ cup (120 g) canned, diced fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 3 ½ cups (830 ml) chicken broth

Seasonings & Dairy

  • 2 tablespoons no-salt or low-salt Cajun seasoning mix
  • 7 oz. cream cheese
  • salt, to taste

Optional Toppings

  • fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
  • red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Cook sausage: Heat a large skillet or braiser over medium heat. Add the sliced andouille sausage medallions and sear on both sides until they crisp up slightly, about 4 minutes total. Remove the sausage and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, keeping the sausage fat in the skillet.
  2. Cook veggies: In the same skillet with the retained sausage oil, add the sliced mushrooms, red and yellow bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the mushrooms begin to brown and the vegetables soften.
  3. Add pasta and liquids: Add the gluten-free penne, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning to the skillet. Stir until everything is evenly distributed, then place a lid on top and bring the broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
  4. Simmer pasta: Once boiling, reduce heat to medium. Allow the pasta to simmer, partially covered, for 12-15 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender but still al dente.
  5. Add cream cheese: Cut the cream cheese into chunks and stir it into the skillet until it fully melts and combines with the broth to create a thick, creamy sauce coating the pasta.
  6. Combine and finish: Return the cooked sausage medallions to the skillet. Season with salt to taste, stir everything together thoroughly, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through. Serve topped with freshly chopped Italian parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

  • For less heat, adjust the Cajun seasoning or omit red pepper flakes.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content.
  • Searing the sausage first not only adds flavor but also releases flavorful oils that enhance the dish.
  • Stir the pasta regularly during cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easier melting and incorporation into the sauce.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American Cajun
  • Diet: Gluten Free