One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

The first time I made this One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta, the vibrant aroma of smoky spices mingling with a rich, velvety sauce completely stole my heart. It’s the kind of dish that hits you right in the comfort zone—creamy, spicy, and oh-so satisfying, all without spending hours in the kitchen. What makes this recipe stand out is that it all cooks in one pot, saving time and the dreaded mountain of dishes. This is the perfect meal for a busy weeknight or when you want a flavorful dinner that feels special without the fuss. Let me take you through every step to get that addictive creamy texture and deeply seasoned sausage flavor just right.

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta: Why It Works & Ingredients

• 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced (preferably Andouille for authentic Cajun flavor)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade blend)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

This recipe works so well because each ingredient is carefully chosen to create layers of flavor and texture without needing multiple pots. I go for smoked sausage, especially Andouille, since it has that perfect balance of smoky heat and savory meatiness that Cajun dishes are known for. Butter is a must here, too. Using it alongside olive oil helps build a richer base while melting the cheese smoothly into the sauce—oil alone wouldn’t give that same creamy mouthfeel. The Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika provide warmth and a touch of spice without overwhelming the dish. Cooking the pasta directly in the broth and cream means it absorbs those savory flavors deeply, making every bite comforting and indulgent.

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta offers a rich spicy meal in minutes Perfect for busy nights when you want bold flavor fast

• Author: molly
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Cajun

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

12 oz smoked sausage, sliced (preferably Andouille for authentic Cajun flavor)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or green), diced

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade blend)

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

8 oz penne pasta (uncooked)

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned and slightly crisp on the edges, about 5-6 minutes.

Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside. In the same pot, add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, roughly 3-4 minutes.

Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika over the veggies and stir well to toast the spices, about 1 minute.

Add the uncooked penne pasta to the pot and pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well to prevent pasta from sticking.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes or until pasta is tender and creamy.

Stir in the browned sausage and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce, about 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve straight from the pot.

Notes

A creamy, spicy, and satisfying one pot pasta dish featuring smoky Andouille sausage, Cajun seasoning, and a rich velvety sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or flavorful dinners without the fuss.

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned and slightly crisp on the edges, about 5-6 minutes. This caramelization is key for flavor, so don’t rush it.
2. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside. In the same pot, add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, roughly 3-4 minutes. The veggies should become tender but still hold some texture.
3. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika over the veggies and stir well to toast the spices, about 1 minute. The smell of those spices blooming in hot fat is what really brings the dish alive.
4. Add the uncooked penne pasta to the pot and pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Give everything a good stir to help prevent the pasta from sticking together.
5. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes or until the pasta is tender and creamy. It will look a bit soupy at first but keep stirring gently; as the pasta cooks, the sauce thickens beautifully.
6. Stir in the browned sausage and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce, about 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve straight from the pot. The sauce should be luscious with just the right kick of spice and creaminess.

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta: Tips for Success

• Choose the right sausage: Andouille is classic, but any smoked sausage with a bit of fat works well for that hearty flavor and to release oils into the sauce.
• Don’t skip browning the sausage: This step builds flavor with caramelized bits that elevate the entire dish.
• Stir the pasta often: This keeps it from sticking and helps the sauce thicken evenly around every piece.
• Use full-fat cream: It’s essential for that rich, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
• Adjust spice levels: If you want a milder dish, reduce Cajun seasoning or skip the paprika. For a little extra heat, toss in a pinch of cayenne.

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta: Storage & Reheating

Leftovers of this creamy Cajun sausage pasta store really well, which is fantastic for meal prep or next-day dinners. Place any leftover pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to avoid clumping or drying out. You can also microwave it covered for a couple of minutes, stirring halfway through, adding liquid if needed to keep it creamy. Avoid overheating, as that can cause the sauce to separate and the cheese to get rubbery.

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta: FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely. Penne works great because its shape holds the sauce well, but you can swap it with rigatoni, rotini, or even spaghetti. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to match the pasta you choose.

Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes! Simply substitute the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Cooking times might vary slightly, so keep an eye on the pasta to prevent overcooking.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you want a lighter version, whole milk combined with a bit of cream cheese can work, but it won’t be as thick and rich. Coconut cream is another option for a dairy-free twist with a subtle flavor change.

How spicy is the One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta?

The spice level depends on your Cajun seasoning brand and personal tolerance. Most store-bought Cajun blends add a moderate kick, balanced by the creamy sauce. You can always adjust seasoning to taste or add fresh chili flakes for extra heat.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Bell peppers and onions are classic and delicious here, but you could also toss in mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to sneak in some extra nutrition.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimate for one serving, assuming the recipe serves four:

• Calories: 600
• Total Fat: 35g
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 950mg

Please remember these figures are approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Wrapping Up One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

This cozy, creamy pasta is one of my go-to recipes when I want something simple yet packed with bold flavors. It manages to feel special without taking over the entire evening, which is rare, right? Whether you’re new to Cajun seasoning or a seasoned fan, this dish balances spice and cream in a way that’ll keep you coming back. Don’t forget to leave a comment or a rating if you try it—I love hearing which tweaks you make or how you enjoy it best. And trust me, once you make it, this one pot meal will be a firm favorite in your recipe box, too.