One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

A bright, spicy, and silky pasta dish cooked in one pot that delivers big flavors with minimal cleanup.

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Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook until deeply browned, about 4–6 minutes. Remove sausage to a plate, leaving the fat in the pan.
Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until aromatic, about 30–45 seconds.
Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika; cook for 20–30 seconds. Pour in diced tomatoes and scrape browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
Return the sausage to the pan and add pasta. Pour in chicken broth to cover pasta. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook, stirring every 2 minutes, until pasta is al dente, about 10–12 minutes.
Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan; simmer gently until sauce is glossy and slightly thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
Add lemon juice if using, then season with salt to taste. Stir in parsley and rest for 3 minutes before serving.

For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half. Alternatively, use dairy-free options if needed.