Name: One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 14 ounces smoked sausage, sliced; 1 tablespoon butter; 1/2 yellow onion, diced; 1/2 red bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 8 ounces penne pasta (or any short pasta); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Why You’ll Love One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Ready in about 30 minutes — ideal for quick weeknight meals.
One‑pot cooking means less washing up and maximum flavor as the pasta cooks right in the sauce.
Smoky sausage mixed with Cajun seasoning and creamy sauce creates a satisfying and comforting dish the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements 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 low‑sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

Prep Your Ingredients: Slice the smoked sausage into thin rounds. Chop bell peppers and onions. Measure out Cajun seasoning, heavy cream, and cheese.

Cook the Sausage and Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot and sauté the sausage until browned. Remove the sausage and cook the bell peppers and onions in the same pot.

Create the Base: Add Cajun seasoning to the veggies. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta directly to the pot and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until melted. Return the sausage to the pot and stir well.

Final Seasoning: Taste and adjust with a pinch of salt if needed and add black pepper or extra cayenne to taste.

Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Extra veggies: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition.
Protein twist: Add shrimp or chicken for variety.
Milder heat: Use kielbasa instead of Andouille, and reduce Cajun seasoning.
Cheesy variation: Stir in cheddar cheese along with Parmesan for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: This pasta can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short intervals until hot.

FAQs

What type of sausage is best for this pasta?

Andouille sausage is traditional and adds great smoky flavor, but kielbasa or other smoked sausages work well too.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes — penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or bowtie pasta can all be used.

Is this dish spicy?

It has Cajun seasoning which brings heat, but you can reduce it or omit cayenne for milder flavor.

Can I make this dairy‑free?

You can substitute dairy‑free cream and cheese alternatives to make it dairy‑free.

How can I make it vegetarian?

Swap the sausage for plant‑based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes — cook it fully, then refrigerate or freeze; reheat before serving.

What can I serve with this pasta?

Serve with garlic bread, salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Simmer a bit longer after adding cream and cheese to let it reduce, or add a small slurry of flour and water.

Can I add more heat?

Yes — add extra Cajun seasoning, cayenne, or red pepper flakes to your taste.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir occasionally as the pasta cooks and add a splash more broth if needed.

Conclusion

This one‑pot Cajun Sausage Pasta is a satisfying, creamy, and bold meal that’s simple to make and perfect for busy evenings. With easy ingredient swaps and helpful tips for storage and reheating, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.