One-Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Turkey Sausage Pasta (Print Version)
Quick one-pot creamy spicy Cajun turkey sausage pasta. This easy weeknight meal combines tender pasta, flavorful turkey sausage, and a rich, zesty sauce.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Cajun
# Ingredients:
→ The Sizzling Start
01 -
1 lb spicy or Cajun turkey sausage, casings removed and crumbled
02 -
1 tbsp olive oil
03 -
1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 -
1 green bell pepper, diced
05 -
2 stalks celery, diced
06 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
→ The Creamy Cajun Heart
07 -
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
08 -
1/2 cup heavy cream
09 -
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
10 -
12 oz short pasta (such as penne or rotini)
11 -
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (salt-free or low-sodium preferred)
12 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
13 -
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
14 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Freshness & Final Flourish
15 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
16 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb spicy or Cajun turkey sausage, crumbled, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat. Add 1 medium yellow onion, 1 green bell pepper, and 2 stalks celery, all diced. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in 3 cloves minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
02 -
Pour in 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained). Stir in 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. This forms the flavorful base for your One-Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Turkey Sausage Pasta. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, scraping up any browned bits.
03 -
Add 12 oz short pasta (like penne or rotini) to the pot, ensuring it is mostly submerged in the liquid. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This is key for a perfectly cooked One-Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Turkey Sausage Pasta.
04 -
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated, creating a rich and creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed for your perfect One-Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Turkey Sausage Pasta. The cheese adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
05 -
Let the One-Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Turkey Sausage Pasta rest, covered, for 5 minutes off the heat. This allows the sauce to thicken further and the flavors to meld beautifully. Garnish generously with 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley before serving. The fresh herbs brighten the dish.
06 -
Serve your delicious One-Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Turkey Sausage Pasta warm. This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect on its own or with a simple side salad and crusty bread. Enjoy the comforting, spicy goodness that comes from this easy one-pot meal!
# Notes:
01 -
Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preference. For less heat, omit it entirely. For more, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Cajun seasoning.
02 -
Any short, sturdy pasta like rotini, cavatappi, or even elbow macaroni works well here. Just ensure it's a shape that can hold the creamy sauce.
03 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.
04 -
Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like spinach (stir in at the end), corn, or diced zucchini along with the bell peppers and celery for extra nutrients.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large Dutch oven or pot
02 -
Cutting board
03 -
Knife
04 -
Measuring cups
05 -
Measuring spoons
06 -
Wooden spoon or spatula
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 740 kcal
Total Fat: 30 g
Total Carbohydrate: 77 g
Protein: 40 g