Name: One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 13 oz. andouille sausage links (about 4 links), sliced into medallions; 6 oz. fresh baby bella mushrooms, cleaned and thinly sliced; ½ medium red bell pepper, stemmed, seeds removed, and thinly sliced; ½ medium yellow bell pepper, stemmed, seeds removed, and thinly sliced; 3 large cloves garlic, minced; 12 oz. gluten-free penne pasta; ½ cup diced fire-roasted tomatoes; 3½ cups chicken broth; 2 tablespoons no-salt or low-salt Cajun seasoning mix; 7 oz. cream cheese; Salt, to taste; Fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped (optional); Red pepper flakes (optional)

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a rich and spicy one-pot dinner featuring smoky andouille sausage simmered with pasta in a velvety, seasoned cream sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

All-in-one preparation means minimal cleanup without sacrificing flavor.
The Cajun seasoning provides just the right amount of heat, balanced by a creamy sauce for crowd-pleasing comfort.
Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s ideal for weeknight meals yet elegant enough for casual entertaining.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

andouille or smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
yellow onion, diced
bell pepper, diced
garlic cloves, minced
chicken broth
canned diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
heavy cream
dry pasta (bowtie, penne, or rigatoni)
Cajun seasoning
shredded cheddar cheese
grated Parmesan cheese
olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper
chopped parsley, for garnish

directions

In a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the sliced sausage and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes, then transfer to a plate.
In the same pot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and Cajun seasoning; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Return the sausage to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring to a simmer.
Add the pasta, stir to combine, then cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente (according to package instructions), about 10–12 minutes.
Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and cheeses until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 people
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes Pass Me Some Tasty

Variations

Seafood twist: Substitute half the sausage with shrimp for a Cajun surf-and-turf pasta.
Vegetable boost: Add sliced mushrooms or baby spinach when sautéing the onions and peppers.
Extra cheesy: Swap cheddar for a blend of Monterey Jack and mozzarella.
Lighter option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and lean turkey sausage.
Gluten-free: Replace the pasta with a gluten-free variety of your choice.

storage/reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess, or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.

FAQs

What type of sausage works best for this recipe?

Andouille or smoked sausage provides the optimal smoky, spicy flavor, but you may use kielbasa, chorizo, or even turkey sausage for a milder taste.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Simply substitute a gluten-free pasta and ensure that your Cajun seasoning blend does not contain any wheat-based anti-caking agents.

How can I adjust the spiciness?

Reduce or omit the Cajun seasoning for a milder sauce, or add extra cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes if you prefer more heat.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can complete all steps through cooking the pasta, then cool and refrigerate. Reheat with added broth or cream to restore sauce consistency.

Is it possible to freeze the leftovers?

Freezing the sauce may cause a change in texture upon reheating. It is best to store in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days rather than freeze.

Which pasta shape should I use?

Bowtie, penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta shape that holds sauce well will work beautifully.

How do I thicken the sauce if it seems too thin?

Stir in additional shredded cheese or simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce excess liquid.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Substitute coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and use vegan cheese shreds.

What other proteins can I add?

In addition to shrimp, grilled chicken or cubed ham make excellent additions or substitutions.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely—zucchini, mushrooms, or fresh spinach stirred in at the end will complement the flavors.

Conclusion

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta delivers bold, comforting flavors with minimal effort and cleanup. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or entertaining friends, its creamy sauce, smoky sausage, and perfectly seasoned pasta make it a surefire favorite. Store leftovers for quick lunches or dinners, and don’t hesitate to customize with your preferred proteins, vegetables, or spice levels for a dish that’s uniquely yours.