One Pot Lighter Cajun Sausage Pasta

Name: One Pot Lighter Cajun Sausage Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz (225g) penne pasta; 1 lb (450g) Cajun sausage, sliced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh); 2 tsp Cajun seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Nourishing Comfort Meals

I love making One Pot Lighter Cajun Sausage Pasta because it's not only a weeknight lifesaver but also packed with flavor! The combination of spicy sausage, tender pasta, and vibrant bell peppers creates a dish that feels indulgent without the guilt. Plus, everything cooks in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for busy evenings or when I want something delicious without the fuss. Trust me, this dish will become a staple in your home as it has in mine!

Created by

Sandra

Last updated on 2026-02-16T16:10:19.369Z

When I first attempted this One Pot Lighter Cajun Sausage Pasta, I was amazed at how quickly it came together. I had just returned from a long day, and the last thing I wanted was to wash multiple pots. The beauty of this recipe is that the flavors meld together wonderfully as everything simmers in one pot, infusing the pasta with all the delicious spices. I was pleasantly surprised to find it both light and satisfying!

One key tip I learned is to sauté the sausage first to render the fat, which adds a depth of flavor without needing excessive oil. I also love that I can adjust the spice level according to my mood, making it perfect for the whole family. This dish is a real winner!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich and zesty Cajun flavors elevate the dish.
One-pot preparation means quick cleanup.
Adjustable spice levels cater to everyone's taste.

Cooking the Sausage Right

Perfectly browning the Cajun sausage is key to developing deep flavor in this dish. I recommend using a medium heat on your stovetop, allowing the sausage to crisp slightly for about 5 minutes. Look for a golden-brown exterior, which will add a deliciously rich taste to the final pasta. If the sausage releases too much grease, drain off some of the fat, but keep a little to enhance the overall flavor profile.

One common mistake is overcrowding the pot with sausage slices. This can lead to steaming instead of browning. Make sure to give each slice enough space and consider cooking in batches if your pot is small. You want that lovely caramelization that adds depth to the overall dish.

Choosing the Right Pasta

Penne pasta is ideal for this recipe because its tubular shape holds onto the sauce and flavors beautifully. However, you can substitute it with other pasta types like fusilli or rigatoni if that’s what you have on hand. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pasta shape; ensure you taste test for doneness!

The type of pasta also affects the liquid absorption. For this recipe, we use 2 cups of broth, providing sufficient moisture for the penne to cook properly. If you opt for a quicker-cooking pasta, like angel hair, reduce the broth to 1.5 cups and adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid mushiness.

Essential Flavor Boosters

The combination of Cajun seasoning, garlic, and vegetables transforms this dish into a burst of flavor. Cajun seasoning adds a perfect kick, but feel free to tweak the amount based on your spice preference. You might even try adding a pinch of cayenne for extra heat, or swapping out the bell pepper for a spicier pepper like jalapeño for a different taste.

Fresh parsley not only garnishes the dish beautifully, but it also adds a pop of freshness that complements the richness of the sausage. If you're out of parsley, consider using fresh basil or cilantro for a different aromatic profile. Just chop it finely and sprinkle it on right before serving for the best visual and taste impact.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

8 oz (225g) penne pasta
1 lb (450g) Cajun sausage, sliced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
2 tsp Cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure to have all ingredients ready!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your dish:

Sauté the Sausage

In a large pot, cook the sliced Cajun sausage over medium heat until browned. This should take about 5 minutes.

Add Vegetables

Add the diced bell pepper, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Combine Ingredients

Stir in the penne pasta, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and Cajun seasoning. Bring to a boil.

Simmer

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy your hearty, flavorful meal!

Pro Tips

For extra creaminess, consider adding a splash of cream or a sprinkle of cheese before serving.

Meal Prep and Storage

This One Pot Lighter Cajun Sausage Pasta is great for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent it from drying out.

If you want to make a larger batch, this recipe easily doubles. Just ensure you use a pot large enough to hold all the ingredients without crowding. Keep in mind that you may need to extend the cooking time slightly for the pasta to cook evenly.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty Cajun pasta pairs wonderfully with a light green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For an added touch, consider serving it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top. These additions can balance out the spices and provide a creamy texture that complements the dish.

You can also customize the dish by adding other vegetables such as spinach or zucchini. Simply toss them in alongside the bell pepper, ensuring they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking. This not only enhances the dish’s nutrition but also adds a variety of textures and flavors.

Troubleshooting Common Pitfalls

If you find your pasta is sticking together during cooking, it might be due to insufficient liquid or the heat being too high. Stir the pot occasionally to ensure everything is cooking evenly. Next time, add an extra splash of broth to keep things saucy and ensure that nothing clumps together.

Another common issue is undercooked pasta. Since cooking times vary by brand and type, always start checking the pasta a couple of minutes before the instructed time. When it's al dente, remove the pot from the heat to prevent overcooking, as it will continue to cook in the residual heat.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with turkey sausage or any sausage of your liking.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can swap the sausage for plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth.

→ Is it possible to freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze it! Make sure it's cooled completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.