Description
A cozy, creamy pasta made in one skillet with smoked sausage, rotini, and Cajun spice in a silky tomato-cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 14 ounces smoked sausage or andouille, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and brown on both sides for 4–5 minutes.
- Push sausage to the edges of the pan and add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the center. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and salt; toast spices for 30–45 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine. Scrape any browned bits from the pan.
- Add rotini pasta and press it into the liquid. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened. Add more broth as needed.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
To avoid gluey pasta when reheating, add a splash of broth or cream. For less spice, reduce Cajun seasoning and replace sausage with a milder option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 700
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Cajun pasta, one-pot meal, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner, sausage pasta