One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta (30-Minutes) Recipe

If you are craving a dish that is bursting with flavor yet comes together in no time at all, the One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta (30-Minutes) is your answer. This dish perfectly balances smoky sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and a luscious creamy sauce infused with robust Cajun spices. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent but is incredibly easy to make, letting you enjoy a comforting, restaurant-quality dinner without the fuss. Whether you’re a busy weeknight chef or simply looking for a new favorite, this pasta will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to transform this dish into a full-flavored masterpiece. Each item plays a crucial role, whether adding smoky depth, creaminess, or a welcome pop of color and texture.

• Smoked sausage: Andouille or kielbasa bring that perfect smoky, spicy flavor that’s the backbone of the dish.
• Pasta: Penne or rigatoni work wonderfully to soak up the creamy sauce and hold all those delicious flavors.
• Cajun seasoning: This spice blend infuses the dish with its signature kick, balancing warmth and heat.
• Olive oil: Used for sautéing, it adds a subtle fruitiness and helps everything cook evenly.
• Diced bell peppers: A mix of colors brightens the dish and adds a sweet crunch.
• Diced onion: Offers a mild sharpness and depth when sautéed with the peppers.
• Chicken broth: This creates a flavorful base to cook the pasta in and melds all the ingredients.
• Heavy cream: Richens the sauce to silky perfection, making every bite indulgent.
• Shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty complexity that rounds out the creamy sauce.
• Garlic powder: Enhances the savory notes without overpowering the other spices.
• Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like it hotter, a dash amps up the spice level beautifully.
• Fresh spinach (optional): Tossed in at the end for a nutritious, vibrant green touch.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
• Chopped parsley: A fresh, herby garnish that adds a lovely contrast.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta (30-Minutes)

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by slicing your smoked sausage into thin, bite-sized rounds—this ensures every forkful is packed with meaty goodness. Dice the bell peppers and onions into small pieces; these vibrant veggies will soften and infuse the dish with sweetness and texture. Measure out your Cajun seasoning, cream, and Parmesan ahead of time so you can easily add them when needed.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Veggies

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and cook until they are browned and sizzling, releasing their smoky aroma. Remove the sausage and set aside. In the same pot, toss in the diced bell peppers and onions. Sauté until they become soft and fragrant—a key step that builds the foundation of flavor.

Step 3: Create the Base

Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and stir it into the veggies, letting the spices toast slightly for a deeper flavor. Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. This liquid will cook your pasta and soak up all those fantastic spices and aromas.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add the pasta directly into the simmering pot. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until it’s just al dente. The pasta will absorb the savory broth, creating a deliciously seasoned base that’s anything but plain noodles.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and gradually stir in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts into a silky, creamy sauce that coats each strand of pasta and veggie. It’s that luscious sauce that makes this One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta (30-Minutes) so irresistibly comforting.

Step 6: Finish and Combine

Return the browned sausage to the pot and mix it in gently. If you’re adding fresh spinach, toss it in now, allowing it to wilt slightly into the creamy goodness. Season with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne if desired for an extra kick. Give everything one last stir to combine those bold, vibrant flavors.

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta (30-Minutes)

Garnishes

Top your dish with a scattering of freshly chopped parsley for a bright, herby finish. If you want to dial up the cheesy factor, sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan just before serving. For those who love a bit more heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds a lively contrast.

Side Dishes

This pasta is hearty, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some buttery garlic bread can round out the meal beautifully. The crisp veggies in a salad provide a refreshing balance to the creamy pasta, while warm bread helps soak up every last bit of that dreamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta (30-Minutes) in individual bowls and garnish each with a lemon wedge to squeeze over the top for a tangy brightness. Alternatively, layering the pasta in a shallow casserole dish with extra cheese and broiling for a few minutes can create a bubbly, golden crust that’s impossible to resist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors meld wonderfully overnight, making it almost taste better the next day!

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. Cool it completely, then transfer into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to two months. Just be aware that the creamy texture may slightly change upon thawing.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Stir frequently to keep the sauce silky and prevent it from separating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely. While Andouille or kielbasa give the best smoky flavor, you can substitute with any smoked sausage or even a spiced sausage based on your preference and what you have on hand.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The heat level is moderate thanks to the Cajun seasoning. If you prefer milder food, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. For spice lovers, adding more cayenne or hot sauce works great.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

To keep the creamy, spicy comfort without meat, use plant-based sausage or smoked tofu and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The dish will still be hearty and satisfying.

What type of pasta works best?

Penne and rigatoni are ideal because their shapes hold the sauce beautifully. However, feel free to experiment with other short pastas like fusilli or farfalle.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can chop all the veggies and slice the sausage early in the day. Cooking everything fresh yields the best texture and flavor, but reheating leftovers is equally delicious.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta (30-Minutes) enough for anyone who loves bold flavors with minimal cleanup. It’s quick, rich, and downright satisfying—in short, the perfect meal to brighten any weeknight dinner. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and give this flavorful, creamy comfort food a try. Your taste buds will thank you!

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta (30-Minutes) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 9 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Lactose

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Description

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a quick and flavorful 30-minute meal featuring smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy Cajun sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner made with minimal cleanup, this dish combines bold spices with fresh veggies and comforting creaminess.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sausage & Meat

• 10 ounces smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa), sliced into thin rounds

Vegetables

• 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)

Dry & Spices

• 4 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni)
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Liquids & Dairy

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups chicken broth (add more if needed)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Garnish

• Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Slice the smoked sausage into thin rounds. Chop the bell peppers and onions. Measure out the Cajun seasoning, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese to have everything ready before cooking.
2. Cook the Sausage and Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add the diced bell peppers and onions, sautéing until softened and fragrant.
3. Create the Base: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper over the sautéed veggies. Stir well to coat all the vegetables with the spices. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta directly to the simmering pot. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until the pasta is al dente, about 10 minutes, adding extra chicken broth if the liquid reduces too quickly.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and cheese is fully melted. Return the cooked sausage to the pot and mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
6. Serve and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Optionally, stir in fresh spinach until wilted for added color and nutrition. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan or red pepper flakes for more heat.

Notes

• Use Andouille sausage for a smoky, spicy flavor or kielbasa for a milder taste.
• If you prefer less heat, omit the cayenne pepper or use less Cajun seasoning.
• Add more chicken broth if the pasta absorbs too much liquid while cooking.
• Fresh spinach is optional but adds a nice pop of color and nutrition.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of cream or broth.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a milk alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: One Pot Cooking, Sautéing, Simmering
• Cuisine: Cajun, American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Cajun pasta, creamy sausage pasta, one pot pasta, quick dinner, Andouille sausage recipe, Cajun seasoning pasta, creamy Cajun sausage pasta