Description
A rich and comforting One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta combining smoky smoked turkey sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and a luscious plant-based creamy sauce infused with bold Cajun spices. This quick and easy meal delivers a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and convenience, making it ideal for busy weeknights and satisfying dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Vegetables
- 12 oz smoked turkey sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup smoked turkey bacon, chopped (optional for topping)
- 1 large bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Seasoning and Pasta
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 12 oz penne pasta (or gluten-free penne)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 4 cups vegetable broth or water
Creamy Sauce
- 1 cup plant-based milk (unsweetened almond, cashew, or oat milk recommended)
- 4 oz plant-based cream cheese (plant-based)
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent dissolved in 2 tbsp cold water
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables: Slice the smoked turkey sausage into bite-sized pieces and chop the bell pepper, onion, and garlic. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey sausage and smoked turkey bacon until nicely browned and fragrant to build a smoky, savory flavor base.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until translucent and soft, unlocking their natural sweetness and creating a flavorful foundation for the Cajun spices.
- Add Cajun Seasoning and Pasta: Stir in the Cajun seasoning, then add the dry penne pasta, chopped bell peppers, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and vegetable broth or water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cover. Let the pasta cook and absorb the spices and sausage flavors.
- Stir in Creamy Ingredients: Once the pasta is tender, gently mix in the plant-based cream cheese (plant-based), plant-based milk, natural gelling agent solution, and apple cider vinegar (natural). Stir carefully until the sauce turns luxuriously creamy and coats every piece of pasta beautifully.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the pasta topped with fresh chopped parsley and, if desired, crispy smoked turkey bacon bits for a satisfying crunch and smoky accent.
Notes
- Cook sausage thoroughly to enhance smoky flavor throughout the dish.
- Do not skip the natural gelling agent for a velvety sauce that clings to pasta.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning gradually to control spice levels.
- Add fresh parsley just before serving to preserve its color and aroma.
- Simmer with the lid on to help pasta cook evenly and absorb maximum flavor without drying out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-pot cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: One pot pasta, creamy Cajun pasta, smoked turkey sausage, plant-based creamy sauce, quick dinner, gluten-free pasta
