🍝 One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Garnish (Optional)

• Fresh Parsley | Chopped for garnish
• Parmesan Cheese | Grated for serving

Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage

1. Heat Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook Sausage: Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is nicely browned and slightly crispy on the edges.
3. Remove: Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

2. Sauté Vegetables

1. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
2. Add Garlic & Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, oregano, and thyme. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Cook the Pasta (One-Pot Method)

1. Add Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes (undrained). Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
2. Add Pasta: Bring the liquid to a boil, then add the penne pasta. Stir well.
3. Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente (tender but firm to the bite). Stir every few minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.

4. Finish the Sauce

1. Stir in Cream & Sausage: Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and the reserved cooked sausage.
2. Add Greens: Toss in the fresh spinach and stir until it wilts completely (this only takes a minute or two from the residual heat).
3. Check Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. If you like it spicier, add a pinch more Cajun seasoning.

5. Serve

1. Serve immediately in bowls.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese (optional).