Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
30min · 4 servings
A Bold & Comforting One-Pot Dinner
Looking for something creamy, cheesy, and just a little spicy? This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is your answer.
It’s a hearty one-pot meal that comes together in only 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute dinners, or when you just need something seriously satisfying.
With smoky sausage, Cajun heat, and a rich, velvety sauce clinging to every bite of pasta, it hits all the right notes.
What You’ll Need
To make this pasta magic happen, here’s what you’ll need:
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds (andouille or kielbasa both work well)
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or any short cut pasta)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (more if you like it spicier)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How To Make It
- Sauté the sausage: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Cook the aromatics: In the same pan, add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the liquids and pasta: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and salt. Add the uncooked pasta and stir well.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Make it creamy & cheesy: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and the cooked sausage. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot straight from the pot.
Why You’ll Love It
- ✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes
- ✅ One-Pot Cleanup – Minimal dishes, maximum flavor
- ✅ Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for the whole family or casual guests
- ✅ Bold Flavor – Smoky, cheesy, and just the right amount of heat
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving something comforting and bold, this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is going to be one of those recipes you keep coming back to. Save it, share it, and make it your own!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage (like andouille or kielbasa) adds a rich, smoky flavor, you can also use Italian sausage, chorizo, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage if you prefer.
Is Cajun seasoning spicy?
Cajun seasoning has a bold kick, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with ½ teaspoon and add more to taste. Want it extra spicy? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
What pasta shape works best?
Short-cut pastas like penne, rotini, or rigatoni hold the sauce really well. You can also use shells or even elbow macaroni. Avoid very thin pastas like angel hair—they’ll overcook.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This dish reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Can I freeze it?
Technically yes, but cream-based sauces can separate when frozen and reheated. For best results, enjoy it fresh or within a few days.
How do I make it lighter?
You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream (though it’ll be less rich), and use chicken or turkey sausage. Low-fat cheese works too, but might not melt as smoothly.
What can I serve with it?
This pasta is a full meal on its own, but it’s great with a side of garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted veggies like broccoli or zucchini.
