Description
A budget-friendly, single-serving creamy Cajun sausage rigatoni made in one pot for minimal cleanup. This spicy, rich pasta dish is ready in 20 minutes using pantry staples.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2.5 ounces (70g) dry rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken or vegetable broth (low-sodium)
- 1/2 cup (120g) canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 ounces (55g) Italian sausage (casing removed)
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Squeeze sausage meat out of casing into a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until browned and crispy, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Add butter to the pan. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
- Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with juice). Stir to scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add dry rigatoni and Cajun seasoning. Stir to ensure pasta is submerged in liquid. Add a splash of water if needed to cover.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a lid and simmer for 10-12 minutes, checking at 8 minutes to ensure liquid hasn’t evaporated too quickly.
- Once pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed, remove pot from heat.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Use residual heat to melt cheese and create a smooth sauce. Add a splash of water if too thick.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Top with fresh parsley or green onions and serve.
Notes
Do not overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the hot sauce. Use cold cream to prevent the sauce from separating. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of starchy pasta water. Cajun seasoning varies by brand, so adjust spice level to taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 18
Keywords: one pot pasta, budget meals, single serving, creamy sausage rigatoni, quick dinner, student meals, cheap dinner, Cajun food