One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta (30-Minutes)

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a quick and comforting meal that’s packed with bold flavors and a touch of spice. I love how everything cooks together in one pot, making cleanup effortless while still delivering a rich, creamy dish full of smoky sausage, colorful peppers, and perfectly coated pasta. It’s the ultimate weeknight comfort food that comes together in just 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, flavorful, and easy—everything I want in a weeknight dinner. The Cajun seasoning gives the sauce a bold, spicy kick, while the Parmesan and cream make it luxuriously smooth. The sausage adds smoky depth, and the veggies keep it fresh and colorful. It’s also super flexible—I can adjust the spice, switch up the pasta, or toss in extra vegetables depending on what I have on hand.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

10 ounces smoked sausage Andouille or kielbasa
4 ounces pasta penne or rigatoni
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup diced bell peppers mixed colors
½ cup diced onion
2 cups chicken broth (add more if needed)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for extra spice
1 cup fresh spinach optional
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

1. I start by slicing the smoked sausage into thin rounds.
2. In a large skillet or deep pan, I heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. I add the sausage and cook for about 3–4 minutes until it’s browned and slightly crispy around the edges. I remove it from the pan and set it aside.
4. In the same pan, I sauté the diced onion and bell peppers until they soften, about 3–4 minutes.
5. I stir in the Cajun seasoning and garlic powder, letting it toast for about 30 seconds to release the flavors.
6. I add the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream, stirring to combine everything.
7. I bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
8. I stir the sausage back into the pan along with the Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce.
9. If using spinach, I stir it in now and let it wilt for about a minute.
10. I taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch of cayenne if I want more heat.
11. I serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 3–4 people. The total time is around 30 minutes — about 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking.

Variations

Sometimes I like to add shrimp or chicken for extra protein. For a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. If I want more vegetables, I toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. For extra smoky flavor, I use Andouille sausage and a touch more Cajun seasoning. I’ve also made it with gluten-free pasta, and it works just as well.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day. I don’t recommend freezing it since creamy pasta sauces can separate once thawed.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, I can use any short pasta like rotini, bow-tie, or shells—just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I make this less spicy?

Definitely, I use less Cajun seasoning or skip the cayenne pepper for a milder version.

What kind of sausage works best?

I prefer Andouille for a smoky Cajun flavor, but kielbasa or any smoked sausage works great.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

I can, but the sauce will be thinner. Adding a bit more Parmesan helps it thicken.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, I skip the sausage and use veggie broth instead of chicken broth, adding extra veggies or beans.

How can I make it gluten-free?

I use gluten-free pasta and check that my Cajun seasoning is gluten-free as well.

Can I add cheese other than Parmesan?

Yes, I sometimes add mozzarella or cheddar for extra creaminess and a cheesy pull.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes, I cook it ahead and store it in the fridge, then reheat with a splash of cream before serving.

How do I make it extra creamy?

I stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or an extra bit of Parmesan at the end.

What sides go well with this dish?

I like serving it with garlic bread, a crisp salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is one of my favorite quick dinners because it’s bursting with flavor, creamy in texture, and effortlessly made in a single pan. The smoky sausage, spicy Cajun seasoning, and velvety sauce make every bite irresistible. I love how it’s easy enough for busy nights yet tastes like something special from a restaurant. It’s a comfort food classic I keep coming back to again and again.

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