Description
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a quick and flavorful meal combining spicy Cajun andouille sausage with creamy cheddar cheese and tender bowtie pasta. Cooked all in one skillet for easy cleanup, this dish offers a perfect balance of heat and creaminess that's ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Sausage and Seasoning
- 1 (13 oz) pack Cajun andouille sausage, cut into coins
- 1 tbsp chopped garlic
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
Liquids and Dairy
- 1 (14.5 oz) can chicken broth (about 2 cups)
- ½ cup heavy cream
Vegetables
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and chilies
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 ounces dry bowtie pasta (½ pound or approximately 2 cups)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet (big enough to eventually fit the pasta and with a lid), cook the sausage over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until browned to your liking.
- Set Sausage Aside: Remove the sausage from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Keep the sausage grease in the skillet as it adds flavor for the next step.
- Sauté Garlic and Add Liquids: In the same skillet, sauté the chopped garlic in the leftover sausage grease for about one minute until fragrant. Then add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with chilies, heavy cream, and approximately 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Stir to combine.
- Cook the Pasta: Stir in the dry bowtie pasta, cover the skillet with a lid, and simmer on low heat for about 14 minutes until the pasta is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Finish the Dish: Once the pasta is tender, return the cooked sausage to the skillet and add a few cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese is melted and creamy. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your desired spice level.
- Using the sausage grease to sauté garlic adds depth to the dish’s flavor.
- Be sure to use a skillet with a lid to allow the pasta to cook evenly.
- Rotel diced tomatoes and chilies provide a nice kick, but you can substitute with regular diced tomatoes if desired.
