Cajun Sausage Pasta – Easy One-Pot Dinner

INTRODUCTION

If there’s one dish that never fails to bring my family running to the kitchen, it’s Cajun Sausage Pasta. Hi there! I’m Nancy from packrecipes.com, and today I’m sharing one of my most-loved weeknight meals. This Cajun Sausage Pasta recipe is spicy, creamy, and comes together in just one pot—meaning less cleanup and more flavor. In this article, I’ll walk you through my story behind this dish, how to make it perfectly every time, and even a few tasty twists like a Cajun sausage pasta no cream version or a hearty Cajun sausage pasta bake. Whether you’re craving a quick dinner or something special, you’ll find it all here!

Storing for cajun sausage pasta one pot

When your Cajun Sausage Pasta is hot and creamy, it’s ready to serve straight from the pot—family style is best! I enjoy adding a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and fresh parsley as the perfect finishing touch. Pair it with crusty bread to mop up every drop of sauce or a crisp green salad to balance the spice.

If you’re preparing meals in advance, this pasta keeps well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for no more than three days.to reheat, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. It’s a lifesaver for busy lunches or quick leftover dinners.

I often get asked if you can make Cajun sausage pasta no cream. Absolutely—just swap the cream for extra chicken broth and a splash of milk, or go bold and toss in a spoonful of garlic butter like in my Cajun sausage and garlic butter pasta version. Another reader favorite is What Molly Made Cajun sausage pasta—she keeps it super simple with just sausage, peppers, Cajun spice, and pasta.

For more cozy pasta nights, try my Cheesy Baked Ziti or this crowd-pleasing Classic Mac and Cheese. Both prove that comforting pasta doesn’t need fancy steps—just real ingredients and a bit of love.

Cajun Sausage Pasta – Easy One-Pot Dinner

Spicy, creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta made in one pot in just 30 minutes! Packed with smoky sausage, colorful peppers, and bold Cajun flavor – an easy weeknight dinner everyone will love.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 People

Course: DINNER, LUNCH

Cuisine: Cajun / AMERICAN

Calories: 600

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 300  g smoked sausage sliced
• 250  g pasta penne or fusilli
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion chopped
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 red bell pepper sliced
• 1 green bell pepper sliced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 can diced tomatoes 400 g
• 2 –3 tsp Cajun seasoning adjust to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Nutrition (approx.):
• Calories: ~600 kcal per serving
• Protein: ~22 g
• Carbohydrates: ~55 g
• Fat: ~30 g
• Fiber: ~4 g
• Sugar: ~7 g

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add sliced bell peppers and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
4. Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, diced tomatoes, and Cajun seasoning. Stir to combine.
5. Add the uncooked pasta and cooked sausage back into the pot. Stir well.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked and sauce is creamy.
7. Stir in grated Parmesan. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

Notes

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Swap smoked sausage for andouille for more authentic Cajun flavor.

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

My Love for Cajun Sausage Pasta

From my earliest days in the kitchen, I’ve always believed the best recipes are those that warm both the heart and the stomach. Cajun Sausage Pasta does exactly that. I remember the first time I tried a one-pot creamy Cajun sausage pasta during a busy weeknight. I was exhausted from work but determined to make something comforting for my family. I threw together smoked sausage, fresh peppers, a splash of cream, and my homemade Cajun seasoning—and what came out of that pot blew me away. The spicy kick, creamy sauce, and hearty pasta became an instant family favorite. Since then, I’ve played with different twists—sometimes swapping the cream for extra broth for a Cajun sausage pasta no cream option, or tossing in some garlic butter for an extra layer of flavor.

If you love dishes that feel like a warm hug, you should also check out my Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta and my hearty One Pot Chicken Alfredo for more one-pot wonders.

A One-Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta for Any Night

One thing I love about this Cajun Sausage Pasta is its simplicity. With just one pot, a handful of pantry staples, and less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a dinner that rivals any restaurant dish. I know that on busy nights, no one wants to deal with a sink full of dishes. That’s why this one-pot Cajun sausage pasta saves the day every time. The smoked sausage brings a smoky depth, the Cajun spices wake up your taste buds, and the pasta soaks up every bit of that creamy, spicy sauce. If you’re craving a baked version, you can turn this into a Cajun sausage pasta bake by transferring it to an oven dish, sprinkling extra cheese on top, and broiling it for a golden finish.

For more comfort food classics, don’t miss my Easy Baked Ziti or my Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta. These are the kind of dinners that remind you why cooking at home is always worth it.

Bringing Flavor to Your Table

One of the best things about Cajun Sausage Pasta is how flexible it is. Whether you stick with the classic creamy Cajun sausage pasta or want a lighter version with no cream, you can adapt it to your taste. For busy nights, I often make a quick Cajun sausage and garlic butter pasta instead of the full creamy version. I just skip the cream and add a generous knob of garlic butter at the end—rich, savory, and done in under 20 minutes!

The smoky sausage is the hero here. I recommend using a good smoked sausage or andouille for that authentic Cajun flavor. Add in sweet bell peppers, fresh garlic, and your favorite pasta shape—penne, fusilli, or even rigatoni all work beautifully. The Cajun seasoning brings everything together with the perfect level of heat. Don’t be afraid to adjust it—if you love it spicier, add extra cayenne or a splash of hot sauce.

If you’d rather bake it, turn your dish into a Cajun sausage pasta bake. Once your pasta is cooked and saucy, transfer it to a baking dish, sprinkle extra Parmesan or mozzarella on top, and broil for 5–7 minutes until bubbly and golden. It’s a cozy twist that my kids love, especially when served with a side of Homemade Garlic Bread or a fresh Simple Caesar Salad.

So whether you make this dish creamy, buttery, or baked, the heart of Cajun Sausage Pasta is always the same: big flavor, simple prep, and a dinner that makes everyone ask for seconds.

One-Pot Wonders: Tips for Perfect Cajun Pasta

Making Cajun Sausage Pasta in just one pot is a game changer, especially on hectic weeknights. When I first learned this trick, it transformed how I cook pasta dishes. Instead of boiling pasta separately, everything cooks together—so the pasta soaks up all that spicy, smoky flavor.

For the best results, choose a large, deep pot so you have room to stir and simmer. Start by browning your sausage slices to release their smoky oils—this step adds depth to the whole dish. Once you’ve sautéed your onion, garlic, and peppers, adding chicken broth and cream makes that signature creamy sauce that clings to every bite.

Many readers love the one-pot smoky Cajun chicken and sausage pasta variation too. You can either add sliced chicken breast with the sausage or completely replace the sausage with chicken if you prefer. It’s equally delicious with shrimp—try Cajun shrimp pasta with sausage if you’re craving surf and turf!

A big bonus of this one-pot method is less cleanup. While the pasta simmers, the sauce thickens naturally. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom. If the sauce thickens too much, splash in extra broth or a bit of milk.

Need inspiration for easy dinners like this? Check out my One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta or my family-favorite One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken. They’re perfect weeknight winners that stick to the same no-fuss, maximum flavor approach

Believe me, once you get the hang of one-pot pastas, you’ll never want to go back. This Cajun Sausage Pasta proves you can make something special with just one pan and a handful of pantry staples.

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you can see more recipes :

Overnight Oats with Banana and Chia Seeds

Smoothie King Strawberry Yogurt Delight

Easy One-Pan Chicken

Delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Conclusion

I hope this recipe inspires you to try something new for dinner tonight. My Cajun Sausage Pasta brings big flavor, simple steps, and minimal cleanup—perfect for busy families and cozy nights in. Whether you make it creamy, smoky, baked, or loaded with shrimp, it’s bound to become a regular at your table.

Frequently Asked Questions