Name: One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound smoked andouille sausage, sliced; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 8 ounces penne pasta; 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

When comfort food meets bold flavors, this One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta delivers on every level. With smoky sausage, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious Cajun-spiced cream sauce, it’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. The best part? Everything comes together in a single pot for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.

Whether you’re feeding a busy family on a weeknight or spicing up your weekend dinner routine, this dish offers an easy way to satisfy your cravings. It’s hearty, quick, and just the right level of spicy to keep things interesting.

What Kind of Sausage Works Best for This Pasta?

Andouille sausage is the traditional choice here, offering a deep, smoky flavor that pairs well with the Cajun seasoning. However, kielbasa, smoked sausage, or even spicy Italian sausage can be used if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure the sausage is fully cooked before adding it to the pasta for the best texture and flavor.

Ingredients for the One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound smoked andouille sausage, sliced
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (more to taste)
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces penne pasta
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How To Make the One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Toss in the diced onion and cook until translucent, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 2: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Stir to coat the sausage mixture evenly. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Add the uncooked penne pasta directly into the pot. Stir well and reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Tomatoes

Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese and diced tomatoes, if using. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese melts into a silky sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, spicy goodness!

How to Serve and Store One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

This pasta is delicious served piping hot straight from the stove, with crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad on the side. It also makes a comforting lunch the next day.

To store, let it cool completely and place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Absolutely. Reduce the Cajun seasoning or choose a mild variety. You can also omit the paprika for a milder flavor.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version.

What other pasta shapes work well?

Rotini, rigatoni, or farfalle will all work nicely in place of penne.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

It can be frozen, but the cream sauce may separate slightly upon reheating. Stir well and reheat gently to bring it back together.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms make tasty additions. Add them during the sauté step with onions.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Kick?

If you loved this One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta, you’ll definitely want to check out these other comfort-packed meals:

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for a rich and herby twist.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a love-at-first-bite reputation.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for garlic lovers.
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti when you need a set-it-and-forget-it dinner.
Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach for seafood and pasta magic.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it anytime you need a one-pot wonder.

Did you toss in shrimp or swap the sausage? Use whole wheat pasta or dairy-free cream? Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!

I love seeing how everyone adds their own twist. If you’ve got questions or tips, don’t hold back—let’s keep the pasta party going.

More weekly recipes here: Nina Dishes on Pinterest

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is rich, spicy, and unbelievably simple to make. With andouille sausage, creamy sauce, bold Cajun spices, and pasta all cooked in a single pot, it’s a flavor-packed dish perfect for busy weeknights or indulgent weekends.