One-Skillet Smoky Cajun Sausage & Cheese Mac

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is the epitome of comfort food, combining smoky sausage, creamy cheese, and a spicy Cajun kick. The best part? It’s made in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a quick, flavorful meal that you can adjust to your taste, making it a versatile choice for any night.

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 bell pepper, diced

• 3 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Directions

1. Sauté the Sausage & Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the sausage for 3-4 minutes, then add the onion and bell pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.

2. Cook the Pasta in the Sauce: Stir in the elbow macaroni, chicken broth, heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

3. Add the Cheese & Finish: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and creamy.

4. Serve & Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 25 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave until warmed through, or reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can use andouille or kielbasa sausages for a different smoky flavor.

2. Is this recipe spicy?

It has a Cajun seasoning kick, but you can adjust the spice level by using less seasoning or adding more cream for a milder version.

3. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to make it even more flavorful and nutritious.

4. Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes, you can swap the elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

5. How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cheese and swap the heavy cream with coconut milk or another dairy-free alternative.

6. Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

If you’re using pre-cooked sausage, simply heat it through with the vegetables rather than browning it.

7. What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can make your own by combining paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano.

8. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze it. Allow it to cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

9. Can I add shrimp instead of sausage?

Yes, shrimp would be a great alternative for a lighter, seafood twist on this dish.

10. How can I make it extra cheesy?

Add extra cheese on top when serving or mix in more shredded cheese during the final steps for an even creamier dish.

Conclusion

This one-skillet smoky Cajun sausage & cheese mac is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any night when you want a flavorful, creamy dish. With its bold flavors, ease of preparation, and versatility, it’s bound to be a family favorite.