Description
One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta combines smoky sausage, vibrant Cajun spices, and a luscious plant-based creamy sauce for a hearty, flavorful, and comforting meal. This quick and easy one-pot dish is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering bold flavors and creamy textures without the fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Meat
- 8 oz smoky sausage, sliced
- 4 oz smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Flavorings
- 2 tbsp Cajun spice blend
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
Dairy and Creaminess
- 4 oz plant-based cream cheese
- 1 cup plant-based milk
Pasta
- 8 oz dry pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini recommended, gluten-free if desired)
Herbs
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Cook the smoky sausage and smoked turkey bacon until they develop a golden crust. Remove them from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, sauté the diced onion, bell peppers, and garlic until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, absorbing any browned bits left in the pot.
- Add Cajun Spices and Liquids: Sprinkle the Cajun spice blend over the vegetables and stir well until aromatic. Add the apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and plant-based milk. Scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any flavor-packed bits and blend the flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Simmer: Add the dry pasta to the pot and pour in just enough liquid to cover it. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot. Let it cook for about 10 to 12 minutes or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
- Make It Creamy: Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the plant-based cream cheese and freshly chopped parsley until melted and smooth, coating every bit of pasta. Return the cooked smoky sausage and smoked turkey bacon to the pot and mix thoroughly to combine the textures and flavors.
Notes
- Choose quality smoky sausage with a balanced spice profile for best flavor.
- Sauté ingredients in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning and flavor development.
- Add plant-based milk or broth gradually to avoid making the pasta too soupy.
- Stir frequently during simmering to keep the pasta from sticking and ensure even sauce development.
- Finish with fresh parsley for brightness and aromatic contrast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: One pot pasta, Cajun sausage pasta, creamy pasta, plant-based cream sauce, smoky sausage, quick dinner, gluten-free pasta, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
