Introduction
If you love bold Southern flavors and easy dinners, this One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is about to become your new weeknight hero.
Smoky sausage, tender pasta, creamy Cajun-spiced sauce, and juicy peppers all cook together in one pot — which means less mess, more flavor, and dinner in 30 minutes.
It’s cozy, a little spicy, rich, and ridiculously satisfying. Plus, cleanup is a breeze (music to every busy cook’s ears).
🛒 Ingredients (Shopping List)
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz smoked sausage or andouille, sliced (like Hillshire Farm or similar)
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
🔪 Essential Kitchen Tools & Appliances
- 🍳 Large Nonstick Deep Skillet or Dutch Oven
- 🔪 Sharp Chef’s Knife
- 🧄 Garlic Press or Mincer
- 🥄 Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- 🧀 Box Grater for Fresh Parmesan
Having everything ready before you start makes this recipe stress-free.
🥕 Preparation Steps (Barney Style Simple)
- Slice sausage into thin rounds
- Dice onion
- Slice bell pepper
- Mince garlic
- Grate parmesan
- Measure liquids and spices
Now everything is ready to cook!
🍳 Cooking Instructions (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 – Brown the sausage
Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium heat.
Add sausage and cook 4–5 minutes until golden and slightly crispy.
👉 Browning adds BIG flavor.
Step 2 – Sauté veggies
Add onion and bell pepper.
Cook 3–4 minutes until soft.
Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Step 3 – Add pasta + liquids
Add:
- uncooked pasta
- chicken broth
- cream
- Cajun seasoning
- paprika
- pepper
Stir well.
Step 4 – Simmer
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat.
Cover and simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The pasta will cook directly in the sauce and absorb all that flavor.
Step 5 – Make it creamy
Turn off heat.
Stir in parmesan and spinach.
Sauce thickens beautifully after 2–3 minutes.
Taste and adjust salt/spice.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Serve hot and fresh with:
- Garlic bread
- Side salad
- Roasted veggies
- Extra parmesan
- Chopped parsley
- Red pepper flakes for heat
It also tastes amazing in meal prep bowls!
💡 Additional Tips & Variations
Flavor boosters
- Add 1 tsp butter at the end for richness
- Splash of lemon brightens flavors
- Extra Cajun spice for heat lovers
Protein swaps
- Chicken breast
- Shrimp
- Turkey sausage
Lighter version
- Use half-and-half instead of cream
- Whole wheat pasta
- Add extra veggies
Creamier hack
Reserve ¼ cup pasta water before finishing — stir in if sauce gets too thick.
🥗 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 540 kcal |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Carbs | 48 g |
| Fat | 29 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 890 mg |
(Values may vary based on brands used)
❓ FAQ
How do I store leftovers?
Store in airtight container in fridge up to 4 days.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, but sauce may slightly separate. Reheat with a splash of milk.
Too spicy?
Use less Cajun seasoning or choose mild sausage.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut cream or cashew cream + dairy-free cheese.
Best pasta shape?
Short shapes like penne, rotini, or shells work best.
❤️ Wrap-Up
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is the kind of meal you make once… and suddenly it’s on your weekly rotation. It’s fast, creamy, smoky, and tastes like comfort food heaven — all with just one pan to wash.
Fun fact: Cajun cooking comes from Louisiana home kitchens where bold spices and simple one-pot meals were a way of life. This recipe keeps that tradition alive — easy, hearty, and made to share.
Give it a try tonight — your family will ask for seconds 😊
