If you re craving a comforting dish that s packed with flavor but won t leave you stuck washing a mountain of dishes, this One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. I absolutely love how the smoky and spicy andouille sausage pairs perfectly with creamy, luscious pasta all cooked in one pot – how convenient is that? It s such a winner for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but hassle-free.
When I first tried this recipe, I was hooked by how everything just melds together beautifully, and that little kick from Cajun seasoning keeps things exciting without overwhelming your taste buds. Whether you re feeding a hungry family or want easy leftovers to enjoy, this One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe checks all the boxes-creamy, spicy, and downright satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Magic: You only need one pan, making cleanup a breeze after a delicious meal.
- Bold Cajun Flavor: The Cajun seasoning adds a smoky, spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds.
- Creamy Comfort: Cream cheese creates a rich sauce that s silky and satisfying without fancy ingredients.
- Family Friendly: It s a crowd-pleaser that works well for weeknights, meal prep, or even casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients all come together to create a flavorful and creamy pasta dish that feels special but uses simple staples. Keep an eye out for good-quality andouille sausage and fresh vegetables to really make this pop.
- Andouille sausage: Adds a smoky, spicy base flavor that s essential in Cajun cooking.
- Baby bella mushrooms: Bring earthiness and help soak up those delicious sauces.
- Red and yellow bell peppers: For sweetness, color, and a slight crunch.
- Garlic cloves: A must for savory depth and aroma.
- Gluten-free penne pasta: Holds the sauce perfectly and makes this meal hearty.
- Diced re-roasted tomatoes: Adds a touch of acidity and depth without overwhelming.
- Chicken broth: Forms the flavorful cooking liquid that infuses the pasta.
- Cajun seasoning mix: The secret spice blend that makes it Cajun – you can make your own or buy pre-mixed.
- Cream cheese: Turns the whole dish silky and creamy, binding everything wonderfully.
- Salt: Adjust to taste, especially depending on your broth and sausage saltiness.
- Fresh Italian parsley (optional): Brightens the dish with freshness and color.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who want an extra kick of heat.
Variations
I love tweaking this One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe based on what s in season or what s in my fridge. It s really adaptable, so feel free to make it your own – you ll be surprised how well the flavors hold up with swaps!
- Swap the sausage: I ve used chicken sausage when I wanted something leaner, and it still packs flavor.
- Make it vegetarian: Leave out the sausage and add extra mushrooms and a smoky paprika kick for richness.
- Add greens: Stir in fresh spinach or kale at the end for some added nutrients and color.
- Spice up the heat: Toss in more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like it fiery.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Sausage for Maximum Flavor
Start by slicing your andouille sausage into medallions and then searing them in a large skillet over medium heat. Let them crisp up nicely on both sides – around 4 minutes total. This is where those smoky, spicy juices develop, so don t toss out the flavorful oil left behind; you ll use it to cook the veggies next and boost the overall depth of flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies to Soften and Brown
Using the same skillet, add your sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3 minutes until the mushrooms start to brown lightly and the peppers soften just a bit. This step unlocks their sweetness and earthiness, which balances the bold sausage perfectly.
Step 3: Add Pasta, Liquids, and Spice
Now toss in the gluten-free penne, diced re-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning. Stir everything together until it s evenly mixed, then cover with a lid and bring it to a boil. The broth will cook the pasta right in the pot, soaking up all those savory flavors.
Step 4: Simmer and Stir Until Perfectly Tender
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer gently for about 12-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes so the pasta cooks evenly and nothing sticks to the bottom. You want the pasta tender but still al dente, with the sauce thickened by the time you re done.
Step 5: Stir in Cream Cheese and Finish
Turn off the heat and add the cream cheese, stirring it in until the sauce becomes smooth and ultra creamy. At this point, season with salt to taste and sprinkle fresh parsley or red pepper flakes for some extra pizzazz if you like. That creamy finish is what really makes this dish shine.
Pro Tips for Making One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Keep the Sausage Oil: Don t discard the sausage oil after searing-it s packed with flavor and helps cook your veggies beautifully.
- Stir Often While Simmering: Frequent stirring prevents the pasta from sticking and ensures it cooks evenly in the broth.
- Adjust Spice Gradually: Start with the recommended Cajun seasoning, then tweak heat levels after tasting with optional red pepper flakes.
- Use Cream Cheese for Creaminess: Adding the cream cheese at the end keeps the sauce silky without curdling-don t rush this step!
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
I love scattering freshly chopped Italian parsley on top for a vibrant pop of color and freshness. Sometimes I also sprinkle a few red pepper flakes if I want to add an extra zing right before serving. A little shredded Parmesan on top can t hurt either if you want to add cheesy depth.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite filling on its own, but I often serve it with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to brighten things up. Garlic bread or crusty French bread is also a fantastic side to soak up any extra creamy sauce – trust me, no sauce gets left behind!
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I like to plate this pasta in warm shallow bowls, topping it with a lemon wedge and extra parsley sprigs for a polished look. Sometimes, I serve individual portions in small cast iron skillets to keep things cozy and rustic. It always feels a bit special and gets compliments every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, which means the next-day lunch or dinner tastes even better. Just be sure to cool it before sealing to keep things fresh.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not my favorite for this creamy pasta. If you do freeze, cool it completely, put in a freezer-safe container, and use within 2 months. When thawing, do so slowly in the fridge overnight to help preserve the sauce s creaminess.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring often, adding a splash of broth or water as needed to loosen the sauce. This keeps the pasta from drying out and maintains that luscious, creamy texture.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works great because it holds sauce well, you can swap in rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just watch the cooking time a bit, since smaller pastas might cook faster and larger ones a little slower.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free penne as suggested. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check your Cajun seasoning and broth labels to be sure.
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What s the best way to adjust the spice level?
Start with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning for balanced heat and flavor. If you prefer milder, reduce that amount and skip extra pepper flakes. To turn up the heat, add more Cajun seasoning or sprinkle red pepper flakes when serving.
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the sausage and veggies a day ahead and store them in the fridge. When ready, just assemble the rest and finish cooking. Leftovers reheat well and can actually taste better the next day.
Final Thoughts
I hope you ll give this One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe a try soon-it s truly become a staple in my kitchen for those nights when I want comfort, flavor, and convenience all in one. It s a recipe that gets rave reviews from friends and family, and once you make it, I bet it will be your go-to too. Cooking doesn t always have to be complicated to be delicious, and this dish is proof of that!
Print
One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a flavorful and hearty dish combining spicy andouille sausage, sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers, and tender gluten-free penne pasta all cooked together in a creamy, Cajun-spiced sauce. Perfectly balanced with a touch of cream cheese for richness, this easy-to-make meal comes together quickly in a single skillet, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Sausage
- 13 oz. andouille sausage links (about 4 links), sliced into medallions
Vegetables
- 6 oz. fresh baby bella mushrooms, cleaned and thinly sliced
- 1/2 medium red bell pepper, stemmed, seeds removed, thinly sliced
- 1/2 medium yellow bell pepper, stemmed, seeds removed, thinly sliced
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
Pasta and Liquids
- 12 oz. gluten-free penne pasta
- 1/2 cup canned, diced re-roasted tomatoes
- 3 1/2 cups chicken broth
Seasonings and Dairy
- 2 tbsp no-salt or low-salt Cajun seasoning mix
- 7 oz. cream cheese
- Salt, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook Sausage: Add the sliced andouille sausage medallions to a large skillet or braiser over medium heat. Sear them on both sides until they crisp up slightly, about 4 minutes total. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the rendered sausage oil in the skillet for added flavor.
- Cook Vegetables: In the same skillet with the sausage oil, add the sliced mushrooms, red and yellow bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables for about 3 minutes, or just until the mushrooms begin to brown and the peppers soften slightly.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Add the gluten-free penne pasta, diced re-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning mix to the skillet. Stir everything gently to combine evenly, then place a lid over the skillet and bring the broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer Pasta: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the pasta simmer uncovered for approximately 12 to 15 minutes. Stir every couple of minutes to prevent sticking and to ensure the pasta cooks evenly until tender and al dente.
- Add Cream Cheese and Season: Stir in the cream cheese into the hot pasta mixture until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt to taste. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Serve: Remove from heat and optionally garnish with freshly chopped Italian parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added heat and color. Serve warm.
Notes
- Using andouille sausage provides a smoky, spicy flavor that is key to the Cajun profile of this dish.
- Keep the sausage oil in the skillet after cooking to sauté the vegetables for deeper flavor.
- Simmer the pasta uncovered and stir regularly to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- The recipe uses gluten-free penne but can be adapted to regular pasta if preferred.
- The Cajun seasoning mix should be low or no-salt to control sodium levels; adjust seasoning as needed.
- Adding cream cheese at the end creates a rich and creamy sauce without needing heavy cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
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