One-Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Sausage Pasta
A cozy and flavorful one-pot pasta dish featuring smoky halal sausage, tender penne, and a creamy Cajun sauce, perfect for comforting weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage (halal-certified) beef or chicken varieties work great
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth (halal-certified) low-sodium broth recommended
- 1 cup heavy cream substitute with half-and-half for a lighter sauce
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper diced (red or green)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), undrained
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning adjust to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese for garnish use a hard vegan alternative if dairy-free
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Preparation
- Slice the smoked sausage into 1/2-inch slices, dice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Grate the Parmesan and measure your broth, cream, and spices so everything is ready.
Cooking
- In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, onion, and bell pepper. Sauté until browned and softened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, ensuring it's submerged in the liquid. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover partially, and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more Cajun spice, paprika, salt, or pepper as desired. Garnish with extra Parmesan or chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream or a store-bought non-dairy creamer. Pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli can also be used. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 12gSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g
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