If you’re staring into your fridge wondering what to cook for dinner, let me save you right now. This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is bold, smoky, rich, a little spicy, and unbelievably comforting. It’s the kind of pasta that makes everyone go quiet at the table because they’re too busy eating.
We’re talking about tender penne coated in a silky Cajun pasta sauce, smoky sausage slices tucked into every bite, sweet bell peppers, and just enough spice to wake up your taste buds without setting them on fire. And the best part? It’s a true one pot Cajun dinner. Less mess. More flavor. Everybody wins.
This creamy sausage pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or anytime you want a quick Cajun pasta recipe that feels like it took way more effort than it actually did.
Let’s get into it.
Why Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Belongs in Your Dinner Rotation
There’s something magical about spicy Cajun sausage recipe flavors meeting a creamy base. You get smokiness from the sausage, warmth from the Cajun seasoning, sweetness from the peppers, and richness from the cream and Parmesan. It’s balanced but bold.
Here’s why this Cajun pasta weeknight meal works so well:
- It’s ready in about 30 minutes
- Everything cooks in one pot
- The pasta absorbs the Cajun seasoned broth for deeper flavor
- It’s easy to customize for spice level
- It reheats beautifully
If you love hearty pasta dishes like this, you might also enjoy this creamy beef pasta recipe from our site. It’s another rich, satisfying dinner that hits the same comfort food note in a slightly different way.
But tonight, we’re all about this creamy Cajun sausage pasta.
Ingredients for Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
Let’s keep this simple and flavorful. You probably already have most of this in your kitchen.
Protein
- 12 to 14 ounces smoked sausage
Andouille is classic for creamy penne with Andouille flavor. Kielbasa also works beautifully. Both give that smoky backbone this pasta needs.
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne or rigatoni
Short pasta shapes are best because they trap the pasta with creamy Cajun sauce in every ridge.
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional handful of spinach at the end
This is classic Cajun pasta with peppers and onions, and it adds sweetness and color.
Sauce Base
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
The broth cooks the pasta while building flavor. The cream and cheese transform everything into a luscious Cajun pasta sauce.
Seasonings
- 1 to 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Half teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional pinch of cayenne for extra heat
If you like things bold, go heavier on the seasoning. If you lean toward the baby mouth side, start lighter and build up slowly.
Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Step by Step Cooking Method
Now this is where the magic happens.
Step 1 Brown the Sausage
Heat a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and toss in your sliced sausage. Cook until browned on both sides. That caramelized edge equals flavor.
Remove the sausage and set it aside. Do not wipe the pan. Those browned bits are flavor gold.
Step 2 Cook the Aromatics
In the same pot, add onions and bell peppers. Sauté until they soften and start to sweeten. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Your kitchen will smell incredible at this point.
Step 3 Add the Cajun Flavor
Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Stir so the vegetables are coated evenly. This step builds the foundation of your spicy Cajun sausage recipe.
Step 4 Simmer the Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Add the uncooked pasta directly into the pot.
Yes, directly. This is what makes it a true one pot Cajun dinner.
Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks. The pasta will absorb the seasoned broth, creating a deeply flavorful base.
Step 5 Make It Creamy
Once the pasta is cooked, lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
This is when your pasta with creamy Cajun sauce becomes glossy, rich, and irresistible.
Return the sausage to the pot. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another couple of minutes until thickened.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Add cayenne if you want more kick.
Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Customization Ideas
One of the best things about this creamy sausage pasta recipe is how flexible it is.
Make It Spicier
Add extra cayenne or use a hot Cajun seasoning blend. You can also slice in a jalapeño with the bell peppers.
Add More Protein
Turn this into a Cajun shrimp and sausage pasta by adding peeled shrimp during the last five minutes of cooking. You can also stir in cooked chicken for a Cajun pasta with chicken and sausage variation.
Lighten It Up
Swap heavy cream for half and half. Use turkey sausage instead of pork. Add extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms.
Make It Vegetarian
Use plant based sausage and vegetable broth. The creamy Cajun pasta base still delivers big flavor.
What to Serve with Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
Because this dish is rich and bold, pairing it with something fresh works beautifully.
- Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chickpeas Everyone Falls For
- Easy Cowboy Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Your Family Will Crav
- Grilled Steak Bowl with Creamy Herb Sauce and Charred Zucchini
For a fun pasta side option at gatherings, this Italian pasta salad recipe makes a great contrast to the warm, creamy main dish.
And if you are browsing for more delicious dinner ideas, we have plenty of cozy, satisfying options that fit right into your weekly rotation.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you.
Store your Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth before warming. The sauce thickens in the fridge, and a little liquid brings it right back to life.
This easy dinner pasta recipe also freezes fairly well, though the texture is best when enjoyed fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
Andouille is traditional for creamy penne with Andouille flavor. Kielbasa is milder and slightly sweeter. Both are fantastic in this Cajun pasta weeknight meal.
Yes, though it thickens as it sits. Add extra broth or cream when reheating.
Absolutely. Rigatoni, farfalle, or even rotini work. Just keep an eye on cooking time and liquid levels.
Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta: The Ultimate One Pot Comfort Dinner You’ll Crave Again and Again
Description
If you’re staring into your fridge wondering what to cook for dinner, this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is the answer. Bold, smoky, rich, and just a little spicy, this one pot comfort dinner brings together tender penne, smoky sausage, sweet bell peppers, and a silky Cajun cream sauce for a meal everyone will crave again and again.
Ingredients
- 12 to 14 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
- 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 to 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional pinch of cayenne pepper
- Optional handful fresh spinach
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add diced onion and sliced bell peppers and sauté until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Add uncooked pasta directly into the pot and stir well.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir to combine.
- Add optional spinach and cook until wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or cayenne as desired.
- Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens, then serve warm.
Notes
Use Andouille sausage for authentic Cajun flavor or kielbasa for a milder option. Stir the pasta occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or milk when reheating. This creamy Cajun sausage pasta stores well in the refrigerator for up to four days and reheats beautifully with a little added liquid.
Final Thoughts on Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta hits every note you want in a cozy comfort food dinner. It’s smoky, creamy, slightly spicy, and packed with satisfying texture. It’s also one of those recipes that tastes even better the next day.
Whether you call it creamy sausage pasta, Cajun pasta with sausage, or simply your new favorite weeknight meal, it delivers big flavor without complicated steps.
So grab that skillet, slice up some sausage, and let’s get dinner on the table. Trust me, this one’s going into your regular rotation.
For more delicious recipe ideas, check out our Pinterest page at virlerecipes. Happy cooking!