Looking for a dinner that’s bold, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes? This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta delivers smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a silky Cajun-spiced cream sauce all in one pan. Perfect for weeknights, it combines the heat of Cajun seasoning with the richness of cream for the ultimate cozy yet exciting meal.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder – Less cleanup, maximum flavor.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in about half an hour.
- Versatile – Swap sausage for shrimp, chicken, or even plant-based protein.
- Comfort + Flavor – Creamy, smoky, and just the right amount of spice.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best)
- 1 lb smoked sausage (Andouille for authentic Cajun flavor, or Kielbasa for milder taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 tbsp Cajun seasoning (see homemade mix below)
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
🌶 Homemade Cajun Seasoning (Optional but Recommended)
Instead of store-bought blends (which can be salty), try mixing:
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp thyme
- ½ tsp cayenne (adjust for spice level)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
Step 2: Sear the Sausage
- Slice sausage into rounds.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Brown sausage for 4–5 minutes until caramelized. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
- In the same pan, add onion and bell pepper. Sauté 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and Cajun seasoning. Cook 1 minute (this toasts the spices for deeper flavor).
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
- Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Return sausage and pasta to the pan.
- Toss until coated, adding reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
- Serve hot with garlic bread or a crisp salad.
👩🍳 Pro Tips for Success
- Toast your Cajun seasoning in oil before adding liquid – it deepens flavor.
- Don’t overcook pasta; it will absorb sauce as it rests.
- Balance the heat – start with less Cajun spice, then adjust.
- Cream alternatives – coconut cream for dairy-free, or Greek yogurt stirred in off-heat for lighter creaminess.
🥗 Serving Suggestions
- Pair with garlic bread or cornbread.
- Add a side salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through richness.
- For wine lovers: try a Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (cream may separate slightly, stir well when reheating).
- Reheat: Add a splash of milk or broth over low heat to restore creaminess.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding cream at high heat → causes curdling.
- Using too much Cajun seasoning → can make it overly salty/spicy.
- Skipping the pasta water → sauce may not cling properly.
🥄 Nutrition (per serving, 4 servings)
- Calories: ~540
- Protein: 21g
- Carbs: 48g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
(Values are approximate; vary based on ingredients used.)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make Cajun pasta without sausage?
Yes! Try chicken breast, shrimp, or a plant-based sausage alternative.
Q: How spicy is this pasta?
It’s medium-spicy with standard Cajun seasoning. Reduce cayenne if you prefer mild.
Q: Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes – it reheats well. Just store sauce separately if possible to keep pasta from softening.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Swap cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese.
📝 Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is the perfect mix of spice, smokiness, and silky creaminess. It’s fast enough for busy weeknights, yet flavorful enough to impress at a dinner party. Once you try it, it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
👉 Did you try this recipe? Leave a comment below with your results—I’d love to hear how spicy you went!
