Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a bold, flavorful dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Smoky sausage, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together with Cajun spices in a single pan, making it the ideal weeknight dinner. Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor—this recipe is hearty, comforting, and guaranteed to satisfy.

ingredients

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta (30-Minutes)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

smoked sausage (such as andouille or kielbasa)olive oiloniongarlicCajun seasoningpaprikacrushed red pepper flakes (optional)chicken brothheavy creamuncooked pasta (penne or rotini work well)diced tomatoes (optional)Parmesan cheesefresh parsley (for garnish)salt and pepper

directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Slice the sausage and brown it in the pan for about 4-5 minutes until caramelized.

Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic.

Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to coat the sausage and onion.

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then add uncooked pasta and diced tomatoes if using.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened.

Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.Preparation time: 5 minutesCooking time: 25 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use shrimp or chicken instead of sausage for a different protein.

Add bell peppers or spinach for extra vegetables and color.

Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to lighten the dish.

Make it extra spicy by adding more red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.

FAQs

What kind of sausage works best?

Smoked sausage like andouille or kielbasa gives the best flavor and texture.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni works well.

Is this dish very spicy?

It has a mild to moderate kick. Adjust Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to your taste.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free cream substitute and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. Add mushrooms or a plant-based sausage.

Does the pasta cook directly in the sauce?

Yes, cooking the pasta in the sauce helps it absorb all the rich flavors.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir occasionally and make sure there’s enough liquid in the pan.

What if the sauce is too thick?

Add a bit more broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

You can slice the sausage and chop the vegetables ahead to save time.

How can I make it more cheesy?

Add extra Parmesan or stir in some shredded mozzarella at the end.

Conclusion

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a flavorful, quick, and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. With its bold Cajun spices, creamy texture, and smoky sausage, it’s comfort food at its best—without the mess. Try it once, and it might just become a regular in your dinner rotation.