Name: One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 1 medium red bell pepper, diced; 12 ounces andouille sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 1 pound rigatoni or penne pasta; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 61 reviews

If you’re anything like me, dinner time can sneak up fast — and that’s exactly why I’m so excited to share this One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe with you. It’s that magical kind of recipe where everything cooks in one pot, meaning less mess and more flavor. This dish is creamy, packed with smoky Cajun-spiced sausage, and comfortably hearty. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your go-to for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners.

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Why This Recipe Works

One Pot Wonder: Saves time on cleanup and reduces kitchen chaos—always a win in my book.
Bold Cajun Flavors: The andouille sausage and Cajun seasoning bring smoky, spicy heat that wakes up every bite.
Creamy Comfort: The mix of heavy cream and Parmesan turns the broth into a luxuriously rich sauce.
Easy Weeknight Friendly: Minimal prep with simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store.

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta, Cajun sausage pasta, creamy Cajun pasta, one pot Cajun dinner, easy Cajun sausage recipe - The image shows a close-up of a large white bowl filled with creamy rigatoni pasta mixed with slices of browned sausage and small pieces of red bell pepper. The sauce is smooth and orange, coating each piece of pasta evenly. The dish is sprinkled with green herbs and black pepper, adding specks of color on top. A black serving spoon with a silver handle scoops some pasta from the bowl, holding a few rigatoni pieces, sausage slices, and red pepper in the center. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

All the ingredients in this One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe come together perfectly to balance spice, creaminess, and smoky depth. When shopping, I like to grab quality andouille sausage and fresh veggies to get the best flavor, but this recipe is forgiving enough if you substitute a few things here or there.

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta, Cajun sausage pasta, creamy Cajun pasta, one pot Cajun dinner, easy Cajun sausage recipe - Flat lay of a small dish of golden olive oil, one medium yellow onion and one medium red bell pepper both diced with vibrant colors, a pile of sliced andouille sausage rounds about a dozen pieces, a small heap of minced garlic, a wooden spoonful of reddish Cajun seasoning, a scattering of uncooked rigatoni pasta, two cans of bright diced tomatoes opened with some tomatoes spilling out, a clear cup of creamy heavy cream, a small mound of shredded Parmesan cheese, a few tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, and a small bowl of white cornstarch powder, all placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Olive oil: Helps brown the sausage and soften the veggies without overpowering the dish.
Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and builds the savory base flavor.
Red bell pepper: Brings a pop of color and gentle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with Cajun spices.
Andouille sausage: The star of the show—smoky, spicy, and full of flavor that defines Cajun cooking.
Minced garlic: Lifts the flavor profile with aromatic depth.
Cajun seasoning: A blend of spices that adds the signature kick.
Rigatoni or penne: Sturdy pasta shapes that hold up well in the creamy sauce.
Chicken broth: The cooking liquid that infuses the pasta with extra flavor.
Diced tomatoes (undrained): Add acidity and a fresh contrast to balance the creaminess.
Cornstarch: Creates a silky slurry to thicken the sauce uniquely without getting gluey.
Heavy cream: Delivers rich creaminess to coat every bite.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish and helps thicken the sauce.
Fresh parsley: Optional but loved—it adds brightness and a herby touch at the end.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

Here’s the great thing about this One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe: it’s super flexible! I’ve made it spicier by adding more Cajun seasoning, and sometimes I swap out andouille for smoked kielbasa when that’s what I have. Feel free to make it your own — that’s part of the fun.

More Heat: Double up the Cajun seasoning or sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes if you like some serious spice—I do on occasion!
Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan for a creamy, plant-based twist.
Veggie Boost: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini along with the peppers to sneak in extra nutrition.
Different Pasta Shapes: I’ve tried penne, rigatoni, and even fusilli, and each brings a slightly different texture but works great.

Step-by-Step: How I Make One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating the olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook it for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want it browned and a bit crispy on the edges—that’s where so much of the flavor lives. Don’t rush this step; it really sets the stage.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Add the diced yellow onion and red bell pepper to the pan with the sausage. Let them cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they start to soften but haven’t lost their vibrant color yet. This gentle sauté makes the veggies sweet and tender, the perfect foil for the spicy sausage.

Step 3: Bring on the Garlic and Cajun Seasoning

Now, stir in the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning. Cook for about a minute until you can smell all those fragrant spices blooming. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should only take a minute so it turns sweet and aromatic.

Step 4: Add Pasta, Broth, and Tomatoes

Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices, then add the rigatoni or penne pasta. Give everything a stir to combine and make sure the pasta is submerged beneath the liquid—this helps it cook evenly. Once it comes to a gentle boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot.

Step 5: Simmer Until Tender

Let the pasta simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep it from sticking and to prevent any burning on the bottom. You want the pasta perfectly tender—cooked through but still with a little bite to complement the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

Spoon out about half a cup of the cooking liquid and whisk in the cornstarch until smooth. Pour this slurry back into the pot and stir. This trick thickens the sauce beautifully without any clumps, turning the broth into a luscious base.

Step 7: Finish with Cream and Parmesan

Pour in the heavy cream and add the Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer, uncovered, for 2 to 3 minutes to melt the cheese and thicken the sauce further. Stir gently so everything mixes well and you end up with a creamy, dreamy dish that’s packed with flavor.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove the pot from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if you like, and dig in while it’s still nice and warm. This pasta tastes even better when it’s fresh but also reheats well the next day.

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Pro Tips for Making One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Don’t Skip Browning: Browning the sausage adds a richness you’ll notice with every bite—it’s worth the few extra minutes.
Watch the Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta as it simmers so it doesn’t overcook; stirring occasionally prevents it from sticking.
Slurry Magic: Always dissolve cornstarch in some liquid before adding — it prevents lumps and gives your sauce the perfect silky texture.
Adjust Crunch: If you like veggies with a crunch, add them near the end of cooking instead of sautéing them early.

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of fresh parsley here—the green pops beautifully against the creamy sauce and adds a hint of freshness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a few dashes of smoked paprika for a little smoky flair on top when serving guests.

Side Dishes

This pasta is a complete meal on its own, but if I want to round it out, I usually serve it with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted garlic bread—perfect for mopping up that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I sometimes serve this pasta in individual ramekins sprinkled with breadcrumbs and broiled till the tops are golden and crunchy—makes it feel fancy but keeps the comfort vibe. It’s also great served family-style straight from the pot for a cozy dinner around the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pasta goes into an airtight container in the fridge and lasts well for 3 to 4 days. I like to add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to rejuvenate the sauce—it can thicken up quite a bit after chilling.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta a couple of times with decent results—just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer bags. When thawing, do it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen up the sauce.

Reheating

To reheat, warm it gently on medium-low in a skillet, stirring frequently and adding a touch of chicken broth or cream to bring back that lovely saucy texture. Microwaving works in a pinch but sometimes makes the sauce separate slightly, so stove-top is my favorite.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage in the One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While andouille sausage brings authentic Cajun flavor with its smoky, spicy kick, you can substitute kielbasa, chorizo, or even a milder smoked sausage depending on your taste preference or what you have on hand.
Is this One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe spicy?

The recipe has a moderate level of spice thanks to the Cajun seasoning and sausage, but it’s easily adjustable—add more seasoning for extra heat or reduce it if you prefer something milder.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Use plant-based sausage alternatives and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth. Replace heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream and omit the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese substitute to keep it creamy.
How can I avoid the pasta sticking while cooking in the one pot?

Stir your pasta occasionally during simmering, and make sure it’s fully submerged in the liquid. Using enough broth and tomatoes ensures there’s enough moisture for the pasta to cook without sticking.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Reheat over medium-low heat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. This prevents the pasta from drying or the sauce from separating.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate, especially after a hectic day. It’s simple enough to whip up anytime but tastes like you spent hours crafting it. I love how the smoky sausage and creamy sauce come together so effortlessly—and I know you’ll enjoy making and eating it just as much as I do. So grab that skillet, get cozy in your kitchen, and treat yourself to some seriously delicious comfort food tonight.