This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a fast and flavorful dish that combines smoky sausage, bold Cajun spices, and a luxuriously creamy sauce—all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup. I love how this recipe brings big Southern flavors with just 30 minutes of cooking time. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when I want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 tablespoon olive oil
14 oz (400g) smoked sausage or andouille, sliced into rounds
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
8 oz (225g) uncooked penne or short pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Directions
I heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Then, I add the sliced sausage and let it cook for 3–4 minutes until it’s browned. I remove it from the pot and set it aside.
In the same pot, I sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper for 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften.
I stir in the Cajun seasoning, uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and cream. Then I mix everything well and bring it to a boil.
Once boiling, I reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
I stir the Parmesan cheese and cooked sausage back into the pot and season everything with salt and pepper to taste.
To finish, I sprinkle chopped parsley and a little extra Cajun seasoning on top before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
I like swapping the sausage for chicken or shrimp if I’m in the mood for something different. When I want to sneak in extra veggies, I add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini during the sauté step. For a richer twist, I sometimes use cream cheese instead of heavy cream. And if I want to tone down the spice for kids, I just cut back on the Cajun seasoning.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce and microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between. It also reheats well on the stovetop over low heat.
FAQs
How spicy is this dish?
It depends on how much Cajun seasoning I add. I usually start with 2 teaspoons and adjust to taste. Some Cajun blends are spicier than others, so I always taste as I go.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I make it ahead and store it in the fridge. I just make sure to reheat it gently with a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce creamy.
What type of sausage works best?
I prefer smoked sausage or andouille for their bold, smoky flavor. Chicken sausage also works well for a lighter option.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. I use any short pasta like rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli. I just make sure to adjust the liquid slightly if needed and keep an eye on the cooking time.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, I use a dairy-free cream alternative and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese substitute. The texture will still be creamy, but the flavor may vary slightly.
Conclusion
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is everything I want in a quick, comforting dinner—spicy, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s a regular in my weekly rotation because it’s just so easy and delicious. Whether I’m cooking for myself or feeding the family, this dish always hits the spot.
Recipe:
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One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta (30 Minutes)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a quick and flavorful Southern-inspired dish featuring smoky sausage, bold Cajun spices, and a rich, creamy sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes and made in a single pot, it’s perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
14 oz (400g) smoked sausage or andouille, sliced into rounds
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
8 oz (225g) uncooked penne or short pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Add sliced sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in Cajun seasoning, uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and cream. Mix well and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and cooked sausage. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning before serving.
Notes
Use cream cheese instead of heavy cream for a richer sauce.
Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Adjust Cajun seasoning based on spice preference.
Swap sausage with chicken or shrimp for variation.
Leftovers can be reheated with a splash of cream or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
