Name: One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) smoked Andouille or Cajun sausage, sliced; 1 medium green bell pepper, diced; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 8 oz (225g) penne or rigatoni pasta; 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth; 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream; 1 can (14.5 oz / 411g) diced tomatoes, drained; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup (50g) shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Jump to Recipe

There is nothing quite as comforting and satisfying as a dish that combines rich creaminess, bold spices, and hearty sausage all in one pot. The One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta brings together the perfect blend of Cajun seasoning, tender pasta, and smoky sausage to create a meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s incredibly simple to make but packed with layers of flavor and texture, making it one of those go-to recipes you’ll want to keep on repeat. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish ticks all the boxes for an easy weeknight dinner that feels special.

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for straightforward pantry staples and fresh ingredients that work in harmony to deliver amazing flavor and a luscious texture. Each item plays a crucial role—from the spice-rubbed sausage adding depth and a hint of smokiness, to the cream and cheese creating that irresistibly velvety sauce.

Andouille sausage: Choose spicy or mild depending on your heat preference; it’s the star protein that brings smoky, savory flavor.
Penne pasta: Holds sauce beautifully thanks to its ridges and tube shape, perfect for this creamy creation.
Cajun seasoning: A vibrant blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic, and herbs that infuses the dish with authentic southern spice.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce, making it truly creamy and indulgent.
Chicken broth: Provides a flavorful base for cooking the pasta in the pot, boosting overall taste without extra fat.
Garlic and onions: These aromatics form the foundation for deep, savory flavor that wakes up the palate.
Shredded Parmesan cheese: Melts into the pasta for a nutty, salty finish that elevates the creamy sauce.
Bell peppers: Add subtle sweetness and a burst of color, balancing the spice nicely.
Olive oil: For sautéing the sausage and vegetables, adding a light fruity note and helping build flavor layers.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Step 1: Sauté Your Sausage and Vegetables

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy on the edges, which releases its smoky oils into the pan. Then toss in diced onions, garlic, and colorful bell peppers. Cooking these until softened lets their natural sweetness come forward, building a tasty base for your dish.

Step 2: Add Spices and Liquids

Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, stirring to evenly coat the sausage and vegetables. It’s the kick that sets this dish apart, bringing that signature southern heat and complexity. Next, pour in the chicken broth followed by the uncooked penne pasta. Stir everything together, ensuring the pasta is submerged and starting to absorb the broth.

Step 3: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Let the pasta cook in the flavorful broth for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This one-pot method allows the pasta to soak up all those delicious spices and savory goodness.

Step 4: Stir in Cream and Cheese

Once the pasta is tender and most of the broth is absorbed, lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well, then add shredded Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy and coats every bite of pasta and sausage. At this point, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Garnishes

To make your One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta truly pop, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the top. These garnishes add a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich and spicy sauce, brightening each forkful with a touch of color and herbaceous flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance. Garlic bread or crusty baguettes are also excellent choices, perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving this pasta in individual shallow bowls for a cozy, rustic feel or layer it in a casserole dish topped with extra cheese and broiled for a few minutes until golden and bubbly. It’s a beautiful way to impress guests while keeping the comforting charm intact.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day!

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this pasta freezes nicely. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just keep in mind the texture of the pasta may soften slightly after freezing.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to revive that silky sauce consistency. Stir frequently to avoid sticking and ensure everything warms evenly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! While andouille sausage is traditional, you can substitute smoked sausage, kielbasa, or even chorizo for a slightly different but equally delicious twist.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The Cajun seasoning adds a moderate heat that can be adjusted by reducing or increasing the quantity used. You can also choose milder sausage or leave out extra cayenne if you prefer less spice.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To keep things vegetarian, you can swap the sausage for plant-based alternatives or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and eggplant. Just make sure to use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.

What type of cream is best to use?

Heavy cream or whipping cream works best to create a rich, silky sauce. For a lighter option, half-and-half can be used but the sauce won’t be as thick.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! Penne works great for trapping sauce, but other shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle can also be delicious and enjoyable with the creamy Cajun sauce.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly something magical about how the One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta comes together—simple ingredients transformed into an incredibly flavorful, creamy dish that feels special without any fuss. It’s a recipe that will soon become a beloved staple in your kitchen, perfect for busy nights or when you want to impress with minimal effort. I can’t wait for you to dive in and enjoy this cozy, spicy, and utterly delicious pasta!

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 6 reviews

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta combines spicy Cajun-seasoned sausage with tender pasta in a luscious, creamy sauce. It’s a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights, delivering a comforting blend of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors all cooked effortlessly in one pot for easy cleanup.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: One Pot Cooking
Cuisine: Cajun
Diet: Low Lactose

Instructions

Cook the sausage and vegetables: Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned and slightly crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. Add diced onion and bell pepper to the pot and sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add spices and pasta: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then add the dried pasta. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
Simmer the pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let the pasta cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 12-15 minutes. If the pasta needs more liquid during cooking, add a bit more chicken broth or water.
Combine sausage and tomatoes: Return the browned sausage to the pot along with the drained diced tomatoes. Stir to incorporate and heat through for about 3 minutes so the flavors meld together. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Add cheese and garnish: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the pasta and stir gently until melted and creamy. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

You can substitute Andouille sausage with any smoked or spicy sausage of your choice.
For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or a dairy-free cream substitute.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Be careful not to overcook the pasta; check frequently near the end of the cooking time.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.