Indulge in the rich, bold flavors of One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta, a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner that combines smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a luscious creamy sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this Cajun-inspired dish delivers the perfect balance of spice and comfort.
Whether you’re craving something hearty or looking to impress with minimal effort, this recipe offers an irresistible combination of vibrant vegetables, savory sausage, and a perfectly seasoned sauce, all cooked in a single pot for easy cleanup.
Ingredients That Shine in Every Bite
The Stars of One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
- Andouille sausage – Smoky and flavorful, it provides a robust Cajun essence.
- Gluten-free penne pasta – Perfectly al dente, soaking up all the spices and creamy goodness.
- Chicken broth – Adds depth and ensures the pasta cooks to tender perfection.
- Fire-roasted tomatoes – A tangy, smoky complement to the creamy sauce.
- Baby bella mushrooms – Earthy and tender, enhancing the dish’s texture.
- Cajun seasoning – The key to that signature bold, spicy Cajun flavor.
- Cream cheese – Creates the velvety sauce that ties everything together.
- Bell peppers (yellow and red) – Add a sweet, crisp contrast to the smoky sausage.
- Garlic cloves – A fragrant, savory base to elevate every ingredient.
- Italian parsley – For a pop of freshness and color (optional).
- Red pepper flakes – Optional for extra heat, perfect for spice lovers.
Cooking Steps to Cajun Bliss
Crafting Your One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
- Sear sausage medallions until golden and slightly crisp, then set aside.
- Sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, and garlic in the rendered sausage oil.
- Add pasta, fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning; bring to a boil.
- Simmer until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Melt in cream cheese to create the creamy, indulgent sauce.
- Return sausage to the skillet, toss to coat, and garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes.
Recipe Tips for Success
For a milder flavor, adjust the Cajun seasoning or skip the red pepper flakes entirely. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the pasta to absorb more liquid. This recipe is versatile—swap in your favorite vegetables or try a different type of sausage for a unique twist.
Storing and Reheating Made Easy
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce’s consistency. Avoid freezing, as the creamy texture may change upon thawing.
Savor the bold, comforting flavors of this One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta—a dish that proves weeknight cooking can be as indulgent as it is effortless!
Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup fire-roasted tomatoes diced
- 6 oz. baby bella mushrooms thinly sliced and cleaned
- 13 oz. andouille sausage links about 4 links, sliced into medallions
- 2 tablespoons Louisiana Cajun seasoning e.g., McCormick Grill Mates
- 7 oz. cream cheese
- ½ medium yellow bell pepper stemmed, seeded, and sliced
- ½ medium red bell pepper stemmed, seeded, and sliced
- 12 oz. gluten-free penne pasta
- 3 large garlic cloves minced
- Fresh Italian parsley finely chopped (optional)
- Red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Sear the sliced sausage medallions in a large skillet or braiser over medium heat until browned and slightly crisp, approximately 4 minutes. Transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate while reserving the rendered sausage oil in the skillet.
- In the same skillet, sauté the mushrooms, yellow and red bell peppers, and minced garlic for about 3 minutes, or until the mushrooms develop a light brown color.
- Add the pasta, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning to the skillet. Stir to combine the ingredients evenly, then cover the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Lower the heat to medium and simmer the pasta for 12–15 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is tender and al dente.
- Add chunks of cream cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until it has melted into a rich, creamy sauce.
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, stirring to coat it evenly in the sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a less spicy dish, reduce the Cajun seasoning slightly or omit the red pepper flakes.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the pasta rest for a few minutes before serving to absorb more of the liquid.