One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe
If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful dinner that comes together in a flash, this One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe is going to become your new go-to. What I love about this dish is how it combines smoky sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and a rich, creamy sauce all in one pot—meaning fewer dishes and more time to relax after dinner. It’s seriously the perfect weeknight meal when you want something comforting but without the fuss.
Personally, I turn to this recipe when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The Cajun seasoning adds just the right amount of kick, and the creamy sauce balances it out beautifully. Plus, using just one pot makes cleanup a breeze—something I bet you’ll appreciate as much as I do!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe work together to build layers of flavor and creamy texture that feels both indulgent and satisfying. When shopping, I recommend picking fresh, colorful bell peppers and a good-quality smoked sausage for the best taste.
- Smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa): Choose a firm, nicely smoked sausage to give the dish its signature smoky, spicy bite.
- Penne or rigatoni pasta: These shapes hold onto the creamy sauce well, making every bite flavorful.
- Cajun seasoning: A blend of spices that brings warmth and zest—feel free to adjust the amount to your spice tolerance.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the sausage and veggies, adding a subtle fruity base flavor.
- Diced bell peppers (mixed colors): They bring sweetness, crunch, and a pop of color to the dish.
- Diced onion: Adds depth and a natural sweetness once cooked down.
- Chicken broth: Provides the savory liquid base; homemade or low-sodium store-bought works great.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that luscious, rich sauce that clings to your pasta.
- Shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, cheesy layer that melts seamlessly into the sauce.
- Garlic powder: Gives a mild garlic punch without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): For an extra spicy kick if you like your food with heat.
- Fresh spinach (optional): A quick way to sneak in some greens, wilting beautifully into the hot pasta.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Chopped parsley (for garnish): Freshens and brightens the final dish visually and in flavor.
Variations
I like to mix things up depending on what I have on hand or the season. This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe is super flexible, so feel free to customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Swap the sausage: For a leaner option, turkey sausage works well and you still get great flavor. I’ve also used spicy chorizo for a bolder twist.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the sausage and add mushrooms or artichoke hearts for a meaty texture.
- Adjust the heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce or omit the cayenne. Or, if you love heat like me, add extra Cajun seasoning or a splash of hot sauce.
- Use gluten-free pasta: The sauce is thick and creamy enough to cling to any pasta shape—you won’t miss the gluten.
- Add more veggies: Try tossing in zucchini or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté Veggies
Start by slicing your smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the sausage and cook until it gets that lovely golden sear and releases its smoky aroma—this usually takes about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage and set it aside, then toss in the diced onions and bell peppers to soften and get slightly caramelized, about 4 minutes. This layering of flavors early on is what makes the dish taste so rich and satisfying.
Step 2: Add Pasta and Liquids
Next up, stir in the Cajun seasoning and garlic powder to coat the veggies and sausage bits. Pour in the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and give it a good stir. The pasta will cook right in this liquid, absorbing all those bold flavors. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and add a splash more chicken broth if it looks too dry before the pasta is tender—usually around 12 minutes.
Step 3: Finish with Cream, Cheese, and Spinach
When the pasta is just cooked through and most of the broth is absorbed, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes thick and silky. At this point, fold in fresh spinach if you’re using it—it’ll wilt quickly in the warm sauce. Taste and add salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper for that extra heat if you want to kick it up a notch. Let everything meld for a couple of minutes on low heat, then you’re ready to serve!
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
I always sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top to brighten the dish visually and add a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, I’ll also add a little extra grated Parmesan for those cheese lovers at the table. A wedge of lemon on the side can be really nice if you want to introduce a subtle zesty contrast.
Side Dishes
This dish is satisfying on its own, but I like pairing it with a crisp green salad to balance the creamy pasta. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce—you really don’t want to waste those flavors!
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this pasta in individual ramekins and topped them with broiled Parmesan crumbs for a little crunchy crust. It’s a fun twist that makes it feel more elegant, plus everyone gets their own portion with a golden topping!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because of the creamy sauce, the pasta will thicken as it chills—don’t worry, it loosens up nicely when reheated.
Freezing
Freezing works okay, though I recommend freezing before adding the cream and cheese to maintain texture. When ready to eat, thaw fully and stir in cream and Parmesan freshly. This keeps the sauce silky and delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring back the saucy consistency. Stir frequently so it heats evenly and doesn’t stick. Microwaving works too, but I prefer the stovetop for better control.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne or rigatoni are ideal because they hold onto the creamy sauce well, you can use other pasta shapes like fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have. Just watch the cooking time as thinner pasta may cook faster.
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Is this recipe spicy?
The heat level depends on how much Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper you use. You can easily adjust it to your taste by using less seasoning or leaving out the cayenne pepper entirely, making it mild but still flavorful.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the heavy cream for a creamy non-dairy alternative like coconut milk or cashew cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Keep in mind this will slightly change the taste and texture.
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How do I prevent the pasta from sticking during cooking?
Stir the pasta frequently while it cooks and ensure there’s enough liquid in the pot. Adding the broth gradually and stirring often helps the pasta cook evenly without sticking.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the sausage and veggies ahead and refrigerate them separately. Assemble and cook the pasta fresh for best texture, or cook all together and reheat gently later. Just note that the sauce is best fresh for creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite weeknight dinners because it’s bursting with bold flavors and comes together without any stress. I love sharing it with friends because it feels both indulgent and homey at the same time. If you’re after a tasty, fuss-free meal that satisfies your craving for something creamy, smoky, and spicy—give this recipe a try. I’m confident it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!
Print
One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
A delicious and creamy one-pot Cajun sausage pasta that comes together in just 30 minutes. This hearty dish features smoked Andouille or kielbasa sausage, tender pasta, and a rich, flavorful Cajun-spiced cream sauce, enhanced with bell peppers, onions, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with a spicy kick!
Ingredients
Sausage and Pasta
- 10 ounces smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa), sliced
- 4 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni)
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquids and Cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth (add more if needed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Optional Additions and Garnish
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the sausage: Slice the smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy incorporation into the pasta.
- Sauté vegetables and sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage, diced bell peppers, and onions. Cook until the sausage is browned and the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add seasoning: Stir in the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the sausage and vegetables evenly with the spices.
- Add pasta and liquids: Pour in the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir everything together, making sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- Cook the pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. If needed, add a bit more chicken broth to keep the pasta from drying out.
- Add cheese and spinach: Remove the lid and stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy. If using, add the fresh spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until wilted.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning if desired. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- Use Andouille sausage for a more authentic Cajun flavor, but kielbasa works well too.
- If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Adding fresh spinach boosts nutrition and color but is optional.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your taste.
- To save time, you can prepare the sausage and vegetables the night before.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
Keywords: Cajun sausage pasta, one pot pasta, creamy pasta, Andouille sausage recipe, spicy sausage pasta, easy weeknight dinner
