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One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

A close-up of creamy Cajun sausage pasta featuring penne noodles, sliced sausage, and green peppers on a white plate.

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Make this easy, flavorful One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for a satisfying weeknight dinner. This recipe uses smoky sausage and bold Cajun spices in a rich, creamy sauce, minimizing cleanup.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound smoked sausage (Andouille or Kielbasa), sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or more, to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 12 ounces dried pasta (penne or rotini work well)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Brown the sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pot.
  2. Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Simmer: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Cook pasta: Add the dry pasta to the boiling liquid. Stir well to prevent sticking. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer according to the pasta package directions, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed (about 10 to 15 minutes).
  5. Finish the sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Heat through for 2 minutes.
  6. Season and serve: Taste the pasta and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use Andouille sausage. For a milder taste, use Kielbasa.
  • Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper to control the spice level of your **spicy sausage pasta**.
  • If the sauce seems too thick after adding the cream, add a splash more broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency for this **creamy Cajun pasta**.

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