When you need a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that comes together quickly, Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a guaranteed winner. This dish is rich, spicy, and perfectly indulgent without being complicated. It blends smoky sausage, creamy sauce, and al dente pasta into a weeknight masterpiece.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this pasta dish hits every mark. The balance of heat from the Cajun seasoning and the smooth, cheesy cream sauce will have everyone going back for seconds.
What Kind of Sausage Should I Use?
Smoked sausage or andouille are top choices for this recipe. Both bring a hearty, savory depth that stands up to the Cajun seasoning. Andouille adds a little more spice, which is great if you want extra kick.
Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Dinner
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How To Make the Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Dinner
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Sausage
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and sear until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, add the red bell pepper and onion. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
Sprinkle Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika over the veggies. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Combine
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return sausage to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to coat.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
How to Serve and Store Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Dinner
This pasta is best served hot right after it’s tossed together, when the sauce is luscious and coats every bite. Pair with a simple green salad or garlic bread to round out the meal.
Leftovers? No problem. Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
You can make a quick blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and oregano.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely. Bowtie, rigatoni, or fettuccine all work well.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick, but you can adjust the Cajun seasoning to your taste.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative.
What protein can I substitute for sausage?
Chicken, shrimp, or even tofu will work great here.
Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?
If you love this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Dinner, you’ll probably enjoy these other hearty options:
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta for a romantic twist.
- Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a buttery, garlicky favorite.
- Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for a rustic Italian spin.
- Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach if you’re craving seafood.
- One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for a rich, meaty classic.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Nina Dishes on Pinterest.
And I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Did you use andouille or go milder? Add extra veggies? Drop a comment and let’s swap tips!
Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Dinner
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Dinner is a quick, flavorful, one-pan meal with bold Cajun spice, smoky sausage, and a velvety cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
8 oz penne pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
0.5 onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1.5 tsp Cajun seasoning
0.5 tsp smoked paprika
1 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup chicken broth
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and sear until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the red bell pepper and onion. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika over the veggies. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return sausage to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to coat.
6. Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use andouille sausage for a spicier kick.
Add spinach or mushrooms to boost the veggie content.
If reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Cajun pasta, creamy sausage pasta, spicy pasta dinner
