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My go-to after a long day is this rich, zesty Cajun sausage pasta. I love tossing everything into a single pot for a cheesy dish packed with big flavors. Cleanup's a breeze, since you only need to wash one pot at the end!
When I first tried it, the kitchen smelled amazing from browning sausage and garlic. Now, we whip up this cozy classic whenever things get hectic.
Irresistible Ingredients
- Cheddar cheese: Gets gooey and makes every bite comforting
- Heavy cream: Delivers that dreamy, smooth finish
- Rotel tomatoes: Packs both a punch and a tang, all in one can
- Bowtie pasta: Bowties catch bits of cheesy sauce just right
- Andouille sausage: Main Cajun flavor booster - sub in any sausage you like
Letting your sausage brown up properly totally boosts the flavor in the final bowl.
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Time To Cook
- Step 5:
- Once you see the pasta is soft, everything comes together—sausage, cheese, all that spice and creaminess in one pot.
- Step 4:
- Toss everything else in at this stage. No draining needed. Pasta cooks right in with everything else.
- Step 3:
- Add garlic into the hot sausage oil for a smell that'll have everyone peeking into the kitchen.
- Step 2:
- Get those sausage rounds browned all over. All that crispy stuff stuck in the bottom? Don't scrape it away—it's flavor!
- Step 1:
- Slice the sausage into thick coins (about 1/4 inch). They'll crisp up better and add texture.
I once threw in frozen peas at the end (after a fridge clean-out) and now it's our favorite way to make it—pretty and extra good for you!
Switch It Up Your Way
This one's super easy to change. Toss in bell peppers or onions with the garlic on some nights. Sometimes I'll stir in broccoli or mushrooms for more greens. When we're feeling fancy, shrimp goes in right at the end for a takeout-style meal at home.
Great For Planning Ahead
This pasta's awesome eaten straightaway, but leftovers make an awesome lunch. If the sauce looks too thick from the fridge, a splash of milk or cream brings it back quick.
Crowd Pleaser
Feeding more folks? Bulk it up with extra veggies or have it with some warm garlic bread. For hungrier eaters, just double everything—but make sure your pot can take it all!
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This dish has bailed me out on lots of busy nights. That creamy sauce that hugs every bowtie, pops of spicy sausage, and ooey cheese—seriously comforting. Whether dinner or packing lunch, you'll love having leftovers of this.
Relax and have fun with it. Don't sweat over changes—just swap in what you like, taste along the way, and it'll turn out tasty every time.
Recipe FAQs
- → What if I don't want it too spicy?
- Go for mild sausage and plain diced tomatoes, not Rotel. Cut back or skip the cajun seasoning.
- → Can other pasta shapes work?
- Sure, just stick with similar sizes. Adjust cook time as needed.
- → What veggies go well with this?
- Try onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, or asparagus. Add tougher veggies while cooking garlic.
- → Will turkey sausage work instead?
- Yep! But since it's leaner, add some oil for cooking.
- → How do I keep leftovers fresh?
- Pop them in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slowly with a bit of cream if needed.