Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta – A Spicy, Comforting One-Pan Meal
There’s something magical about a big, hearty bowl of creamy, spicy pasta. It’s warm, rich, and bursting with bold flavors—everything you need for the ultimate comfort meal. And when you add smoky Cajun sausage, tender pasta, and a luscious, velvety sauce? Pure perfection.
This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is the kind of dish that brings people together. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or just treating yourself after a long day, this recipe never disappoints. It’s packed with deep, smoky spice from the sausage and Cajun seasoning, balanced out by the smooth and creamy sauce. Plus, the slight crunch from sautéed peppers and onions adds a layer of texture that makes every bite so satisfying.
The best part? It’s a one-pan wonder that comes together in under 30 minutes. That means fewer dishes to clean and more time to sit back, relax, and enjoy your meal. I first started making this when I was craving a restaurant-quality Cajun pasta but didn’t want to spend hours cooking. With just a few simple ingredients and some pantry staples, I created this dish—and now, it’s a regular in my weeknight dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Sausage Pasta
- Quick and easy: This entire dish can be made in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-pan recipe: Everything is cooked in a single skillet, which means less cleanup and a super simple process.
- Rich and creamy with a kick: The combination of smoky sausage, Cajun seasoning, and a creamy sauce creates an incredible depth of flavor.
- Customizable: Make it as spicy or as mild as you like, add extra veggies, or swap out the protein.
- Family-friendly: The creamy sauce balances the heat, making it enjoyable for everyone—even picky eaters!
Preparation Time and Servings
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
- Calories per Serving: ~550 kcal
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta)
- 1 lb Cajun-style sausage (like andouille or smoked turkey sausage), sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (red, yellow, or green for color and sweetness)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (adds depth to the sauce)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for a rich and creamy texture)
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (melts beautifully into the sauce)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Cajun sausage: Andouille sausage adds a nice smoky and slightly spicy flavor, but any smoked sausage will work.
- Pasta: Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle holds the creamy sauce well.
- Cajun seasoning: Store-bought works fine, but you can make your own with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme.
- Heavy cream: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or even coconut milk.
How to Make Cajun Sausage Pasta (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The salt enhances the flavor of the pasta, so don’t skip this step! Add your pasta and cook it just until al dente—this means it should be tender but still have a slight bite. This is important because the pasta will continue cooking in the sauce later.
Once the pasta is done, drain it but do not rinse it. The starch left on the pasta helps the sauce cling to it better. Set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced sausage in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to develop a nice golden-brown crust. Flip the pieces and cook for another 2-3 minutes until both sides are browned and slightly crispy.
The browning process intensifies the smoky flavors of the sausage, and any browned bits left in the pan will add even more flavor to the sauce. Once the sausage is done, transfer it to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onions. If needed, add a little more oil to prevent sticking. Sauté over medium heat for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and start to caramelize.
Once the peppers and onions are tender, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits add so much depth to the sauce! Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Next, add 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked pasta and browned sausage back into the skillet. Toss everything together so that the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
Sprinkle in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts smoothly into the sauce. The cheese adds a rich, nutty depth to the dish. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed. If you love extra heat, now is the time to add red pepper flakes!
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once everything is well combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while it’s hot and creamy.
How to Serve Cajun Sausage Pasta
- Pair it with crusty garlic bread to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle more Parmesan on top before serving.
Serving Cajun Sausage Pasta the right way can make all the difference in the overall experience. Whether you’re plating it beautifully for a fancy dinner, pairing it with the perfect side dishes, or packing it up for meal prep, there are so many ways to enjoy this dish.
No matter how you choose to serve it, one thing is for sure: every bite is full of bold, creamy, smoky, and spicy goodness.
Tips for the Best Cajun Sausage Pasta
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Keep it al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Adjust the spice level: Reduce Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes for a milder version.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents and doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Make it extra creamy: Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or butter at the end for a richer sauce.
- Let the sauce thicken: If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes before adding the pasta.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is everything you want in a comforting meal—bold flavors, creamy sauce, and smoky sausage, all coming together in one easy dish. Whether you’re cooking for family or just craving something indulgent, this recipe is sure to be a favorite.
I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Snap a pic and tag me on Instagram, or drop a comment below. Happy cooking!
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Cajun Sausage Pasta – Creamy, Spicy & Easy One-Pan Meal
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
A rich and creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta with smoky andouille sausage, tender pasta, and a bold Cajun-spiced cream sauce. This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights and ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni
- 1 lb andouille or smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnis
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta – Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage – Heat oil in a skillet, cook sliced sausage for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Veggies – In the same pan, cook bell peppers and onions until softened, then add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Make the Sauce – Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and Cajun seasoning. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Everything – Add cooked pasta and sausage, then stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Adjust seasoning.
- Serve & Garnish – Sprinkle with parsley and red pepper flakes. Serve hot!
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning for spice level.
- Use smoked turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, American