One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta: A Flavorful Weeknight Dinner in Under 30 Minutes

Have you ever craved a restaurant-quality meal but didn't want to spend hours in the kitchen or face a mountain of dishes? This One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta delivers bold, spicy flavors with minimal cleanup, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights. By making this dish at home, you control the spice level, quality of ingredients, and save money compared to takeout. The combination of smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a rich, spiced cream sauce creates a comforting meal that satisfies every craving.

Ingredients List

    • 1 lb (450g) smoked Cajun or andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
    • 12 oz (340g) penne or rotini pasta
    • 1 medium onion, diced
    • 1 red bell pepper, diced
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
    • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • Salt and black pepper to taste
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Sauce:

    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
    • Optional: ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for extra heat
    • Optional: ½ cup frozen peas or spinach

Timing / Cooking Schedule

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

This recipe is faster than ordering delivery and perfect for those evenings when you need dinner on the table quickly without sacrificing flavor or quality.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Sausage Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned on both sides. Remove sausage and set aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pan.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables In the same pan, add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. This builds the aromatic base for your creamy cajun sausage pasta recipe.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Seasonings Stir in the uncooked pasta, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toast the pasta for about 1 minute to enhance the spices.

Step 4: Pour in the Broth Add the broth and tomato paste, stirring well to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and let simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce Return the browned sausage to the pan. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes silky. If using, add peas or spinach now.

Step 6: Final Touches Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional Information

Per serving (serves 4):

    • Calories: 685
    • Protein: 28g
    • Carbohydrates: 58g
    • Fat: 38g
    • Fiber: 4g
    • Vitamin C: 45% DV
    • Iron: 18% DV

Tips, Variations, or Cooking Advice

For Lighter Options: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream. Use turkey sausage instead of pork for fewer calories.

Gluten-Free: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free penne and ensure your Cajun seasoning is certified gluten-free.

Vegetarian Version: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or add roasted chickpeas and extra vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms.

Spice Control: Start with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning if you're sensitive to heat, then add more to taste.

Meal Prep: This dish keeps well for 3-4 days, making it excellent for batch cooking and work lunches.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Too Little Liquid: The pasta needs enough broth to cook properly. If it looks dry during cooking, add ¼ cup of broth or water at a time.

Adding Cream Too Early: Wait until the pasta is fully cooked before adding cream, or it may curdle and separate.

Overcooking the Pasta: Since the pasta continues cooking in the residual heat, aim for just al dente to prevent mushy texture.

Skipping the Sausage Browning: This step creates caramelized flavor that's essential to the dish's depth.

Storage / Leftovers Tips

Store leftover creamy cajun sausage pasta recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce may thicken when cold, so add a splash of broth or cream when reheating. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, or microwave in 1-minute intervals. While freezing is possible for up to 2 months, cream-based sauces can sometimes separate upon thawing. If freezing, slightly undercook the pasta and add fresh cream when reheating for best texture. For meal prep, store the pasta and a small container of extra Parmesan separately to refresh the flavors when serving.