1. Prep Your Ingredients: Setting the Stage for Success

1. Slice Sausage: Slice the smoked sausage into thin rounds, about ¼ inch thick.
2. Dice Vegetables: Dice the bell peppers and onion into small, even pieces.
3. Measure Ingredients: Measure out the Cajun seasoning, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and other seasonings. Have everything ready to go before you start cooking.

2. Cook the Sausage and Veggies: Building the Flavor Base

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Sausage: Add the sliced sausage to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. The sausage should be cooked through and slightly crispy on the edges.
3. Remove Sausage: Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
4. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced bell peppers and onions to the same skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Create the Base: Seasoning and Liquid

1. Add Cajun Seasoning: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning over the vegetables in the skillet. Stir well to coat the vegetables evenly.
   • Tip: If you want to add a little flour to help thicken the sauce, do so here.
2. Pour in Broth: Pour 1 ½ cups of chicken broth into the skillet. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits.
3. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

4. Cook the Pasta: Al Dente in the Flavorful Broth

1. Add Pasta: Add the 8 ounces of uncooked pasta (penne or rigatoni) directly to the skillet with the simmering broth and vegetables.
2. Stir and Cover: Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet with a lid.
3. Cook Pasta: Cook until the pasta is al dente, following the package instructions for cooking time. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.

5. Make the Creamy Sauce: Rich, Cheesy, and Delicious

1. Reduce Heat: Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low.
2. Stir in Cream and Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
3. Add Garlic Powder and Cayenne: Stir in ½ teaspoon of garlic powder and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if using) for an extra layer of flavor.
4. Add Spinach (Optional): If using, stir in 1 cup of fresh spinach and cook until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes.

6. Combine Everything: Bringing it All Together

1. Return Sausage: Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet.
2. Mix Well: Stir everything together until the sausage and pasta are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
3. Simmer: Let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

7. Serve and Garnish: The Finishing Touches

1. Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper as needed.
2. Garnish: Garnish the finished dish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
3. Serve Hot: Serve the One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is creamy.