Description
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a flavorful, hearty meal combining spicy andouille sausage with sautéed vegetables, gluten-free penne, and a rich, creamy Cajun sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner with a spicy kick and comforting texture.
Ingredients
Sausage
- 13 oz. andouille sausage links (about 4 links), sliced into medallions
Vegetables
- 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 & 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
- 7 oz. cream cheese
- salt, to taste
- fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped (optional)
- red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook sausage: Add the sausage medallions to a large skillet or braiser over medium heat. Sear the sausage on both sides until they crisp up a bit, approximately 4 minutes total. Remove the sausage and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Retain the sausage oil in the skillet for added flavor.
- 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, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms begin to brown and the peppers soften slightly.
- Add pasta and liquids: To the skillet, add gluten-free penne pasta, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning mix. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly. Place a lid on the skillet to cover and allow the broth to come up to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer pasta: Once the liquid is boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the pasta simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir every couple of minutes to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is tender but still al dente and the broth has reduced into a flavorful base.
- Add cream cheese: Cut the cream cheese into chunks and add it to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a thick, creamy sauce that coats the pasta and veggies.
- Combine and serve: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add salt to taste and stir well to combine all components evenly. Sprinkle with freshly chopped Italian parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Searing the sausage until slightly crispy enhances flavor and adds texture.
- Stirring the pasta frequently while simmering prevents it from sticking and ensures even cooking.
- For extra heat, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free pasta.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
