Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta (One Pot) – Spicy, Creamy, and Incredibly Easy

Introduction

Bold, smoky, and irresistibly creamy — this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is the ultimate one-pot comfort dinner. It combines spicy Cajun-seasoned sausage, tender pasta, and a silky sauce that’s rich with flavor and a gentle kick of heat. All made in a single pot, this recipe is a weeknight hero that delivers restaurant-style taste with minimal cleanup.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or looking for a satisfying meal prep option, this dish checks every box: easy to make, deeply flavorful, and ready in about 30 minutes. The creamy Cajun sauce clings to every bite of pasta, while the seared sausage adds a smoky, savory depth that takes it over the top.

You don’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated steps — just one pot, a handful of pantry staples, and dinner is served.

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Ingredients Overview

Each ingredient in this recipe contributes to its rich, spicy, and creamy profile. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and suggested swaps.

• Smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa): Adds robust, smoky flavor and a satisfying chew. Andouille is spicier and more traditional in Cajun recipes, while kielbasa offers a milder option.

• Pasta: Short shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best for holding onto the creamy sauce. Use regular or whole wheat, or opt for gluten-free pasta if needed.

• Cajun seasoning: A blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne, and black pepper. Store-bought is fine, or make your own for better control over salt and heat.

• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and complements the spice.

• Onion: Yellow or red onion adds sweetness and balance to the smoky sausage.

• Bell peppers: Red, yellow, or green add color, sweetness, and texture.

• Tomato paste: Adds umami and deepens the flavor base of the sauce.

• Chicken broth: Used to simmer the pasta right in the pot, adding flavor as it cooks.

• Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luscious and smooth. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or unsweetened oat cream.

• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish and thickens the sauce.

• Olive oil or butter: For sautéing the sausage and vegetables.

Ingredient Tips:

• Slice sausage on the bias for more surface area and better browning.

• For extra protein, add chicken or shrimp with the sausage.

• Vegan sausage and dairy-free cream can be used for a plant-based version.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

This one-pot pasta recipe is straightforward, quick, and satisfying. Here’s how to do it:

1. Brown the sausage
   Heat a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sliced sausage. Sear until browned on both sides, about 5–6 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.

2. Sauté the vegetables
   In the same pan, add chopped onion and bell peppers. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.

3. Add tomato paste and Cajun seasoning
   Stir in tomato paste and Cajun seasoning. Toast for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

4. Add pasta and broth
   Pour in the dry pasta and chicken broth. Stir to deglaze the pan and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.

5. Stir in cream and cheese
   Add the heavy cream, parmesan, and cooked sausage back into the pot. Stir until creamy and well combined. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.

6. Taste and adjust
   Season with additional salt, pepper, or Cajun spice to taste. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce is too thick.

7. Serve hot
   Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and extra parmesan, if desired.

Chef Tips:

• For extra spice, add cayenne or hot sauce to the sauce at the end.

• Don’t overcook the pasta — aim for al dente, especially if reheating later.

• Stir occasionally while simmering to avoid pasta sticking to the bottom.

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Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Pro Tips

• Use a deep skillet or wide Dutch oven to allow room for the pasta to cook evenly.

• Let the sausage brown undisturbed for a few minutes to develop flavor.

• If the sauce gets too thick, loosen with a splash of warm broth or cream.

Recipe Variations

• Shrimp & sausage: Add peeled shrimp in the last 5 minutes of cooking.

• Veggie version: Use plant-based sausage and add mushrooms or zucchini.

• Extra cheesy: Stir in shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a creamier, gooier version.

Substitutions

• Dairy-free: Use unsweetened oat or cashew cream and a vegan parmesan alternative.

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and confirm broth and sausage are certified GF.

• Low-carb: Replace pasta with cooked spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles (add those after simmering the sauce).

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

This creamy Cajun pasta is hearty enough to stand alone but pairs well with fresh, crisp sides.

Serve With:

• A green salad with lemon vinaigrette or ranch.

• Garlic bread or cornbread for soaking up sauce.

• Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus.

Great For:

• Weeknight dinners — quick, one-pot, minimal cleanup.

• Meal prep — holds up well in the fridge and reheats beautifully.

• Casual entertaining or game nights — bold, crowd-pleasing flavors.

• Spicy comfort food cravings.

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Nutritional & Health Notes

This dish is rich and satisfying, but you can adjust it to suit your dietary goals.

• Smoked sausage: High in protein and flavor, but also sodium — use lean chicken sausage or turkey kielbasa for a lighter version.

• Pasta: A good source of energy; use whole wheat or lentil-based pasta for added fiber.

• Cajun seasoning: Adds flavor without calories. Make your own to control salt and spice.

• Cream: Adds richness — sub with low-fat cream or dairy-free options for a lighter meal.

To make it more balanced:

• Add extra vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, or peas).

• Use reduced-fat dairy products.

• Stick to a portion of 1½ cups and serve with a salad or roasted veg.

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FAQs

Q1: Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Yes. Pre-cooked sausage works great. Sear it just until browned and warmed through before removing from the pan.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. It keeps well for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat with a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy texture.

Q3: What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini are perfect — they hold the sauce well and cook evenly in one pot.

Q4: Is Cajun sausage pasta spicy?
It has a mild to medium heat level. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or skip cayenne if you’re sensitive to spice, or add more if you like it hotter.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
Cream-based sauces don’t always freeze perfectly, but this one-pot pasta holds up reasonably well. Freeze in portions for up to 2 months and reheat gently with added liquid.

Q6: What can I substitute for Cajun seasoning?
Use a homemade blend: 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp oregano, pinch of cayenne, salt, and pepper.

Q7: Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Whole milk or evaporated milk works better than skim for a richer texture.

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