One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Sizzling One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe for All

Creamy and bold flavors dance through this one-pot Cajun sausage pasta that promises a delightful dinner experience.

Zesty spices and hearty sausage blend seamlessly in a rich, comforting meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

The classic Cajun technique infuses each bite with a robust, spicy kick that awakens your taste buds.

Tender pasta absorbs the savory sauce, creating a harmonious balance of heat and creaminess.

Weeknight cooking becomes an exciting culinary adventure with this simple yet impressive dish.

Tender sausage and al dente pasta create a meal that feels like a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen.

Prepare to savor every delicious, spice-packed forkful of this unforgettable pasta.

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Perks

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Perks
  • Speedy Weeknight Winner: Whip up a delicious dinner in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy families craving a hearty meal.
  • Flavor-Packed Comfort: Cajun seasoning and sausage deliver a bold, spicy kick that transforms ordinary pasta into an exciting culinary adventure.
  • Minimal Dish Drama: Using just one skillet means less washing up, making this recipe a dream for anyone who dreads post-meal kitchen cleanup.
  • Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adjust spice levels or swap ingredients to suit different tastes, ensuring everyone at the table leaves satisfied.

Cajun Sausage Pasta Ingredient Rundown

Proteins:
  • Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and spice to the one-pot pasta dish.
Dairy:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Provides a creamy, sharp flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic, Cajun Seasoning: Adds depth of flavor and classic Cajun-style heat to the dish.
Liquid Base:
  • Broth, Tomatoes, Cream: Creates a smooth and creamy sauce that coats the pasta.
Pasta:
  • Dry Pasta: The hearty base of the dish that absorbs the delicious sauce and completes the meal.

How to Make One Pot Cajun Pasta

How to Make One Pot Cajun Pasta

Step 1: Sizzle Sausage Slices

Grab your skillet and heat it up to medium.

Drop in the sausage pieces and let them dance around until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

This should take about 5 minutes.

Once they’re perfectly crisp, scoop them out onto a plate but keep all that delicious grease in the pan – we’ll use it for magic later!

Step 2: Craft Spicy Base

Toss the minced garlic into the sausage-infused pan and let it sizzle for a quick minute.

Now pour in:
  • Chicken broth
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Heavy cream
  • Cajun seasoning

Stir everything together to create a mouthwatering sauce that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Step 3: Pasta Power

Dump the dry pasta directly into the bubbling sauce.

Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat.

The pasta will absorb all those incredible flavors while cooking.

Give it about 14 minutes until the pasta becomes perfectly tender.

Step 4: Cheesy Finale

Welcome back the sausage slices to the party!

Sprinkle in the cheddar cheese and stir until it melts into a creamy, dreamy coating.

Every bite will be a celebration of spicy, cheesy goodness.

Cajun Pasta Cooking Tips

  • Cut sausage into uniform coins for consistent cooking and beautiful presentation.
  • Adjust cajun seasoning to match your heat tolerance, using mild or hot blends.
  • Shred cheese freshly and stir off heat to prevent breaking or becoming grainy.
  • Keep extra broth or water nearby in case pasta needs more liquid while cooking.
  • Clean-up is a breeze since everything cooks in a single skillet, saving time and dishes.

Spicy Cajun Pasta Variations

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu, using smoked paprika for depth and adding extra bell peppers for texture.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa, ensuring all other ingredients remain the same.
  • Spicy Seafood Remix: Substitute sausage with shrimp or crawfish, increasing cajun seasoning for an authentic Louisiana-style seafood pasta experience.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta, keeping the creamy sauce and protein components intact.

Ways to Serve Cajun Sausage Pasta

  • Hearty Family Feast: Serve this spicy pasta with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy flavors and add a fresh crunch.
  • Bread Pairing Magic: Warm garlic bread or crusty French bread works perfectly for soaking up the delicious Cajun sauce and catching every last drop.
  • Southern Style Sidekick: Complement the dish with quick pickled vegetables like okra or jalapeños to enhance the Cajun profile and add tangy brightness.
  • Cool Down Companion: A cold glass of sweet tea or a light beer cuts through the creamy sauce and provides a refreshing contrast to the spicy sausage.

Storage Tips for Cajun Pasta Leftovers

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The pasta might absorb more liquid, so add a splash of broth when reheating to restore creamy consistency.
  • Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Properly stored, the dish maintains quality for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before gently reheating.
  • When reheating, use low heat and stir frequently to prevent cheese and cream from breaking down or becoming grainy.
  • Warm slightly in microwave or on stovetop, adding a little milk or broth to revive the sauce's smooth texture and prevent drying out.

FAQs

  • What exactly is Cajun seasoning?

A blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, black pepper, and herbs that gives dishes a spicy, bold flavor typical of Louisiana cuisine.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or shells work best for this one-pot recipe as they hold sauce well and cook evenly.

  • Is this dish very spicy?

The spice level depends on your Cajun seasoning. You can control heat by using less seasoning or choosing a mild version if you prefer.

  • What kind of sausage works best?

Andouille sausage is traditional and adds authentic Cajun flavor, but smoked sausage or kielbasa are excellent alternatives that work well in this recipe.

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One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe


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4.9 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy one pot cajun sausage pasta delivers spicy Southern comfort with rich, hearty flavors that dance across your palate. Bold Cajun seasonings and smoky sausage create a quick weeknight dinner you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 (13 ounces/369 grams) cajun andouille sausage, cut into coins
  • 8 ounces (227 grams) dry bowtie pasta

Sauce Components:

  • 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 (10 ounces/283 grams) can Rotel diced tomatoes and chilies

Seasonings & Cheese:

  • 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
  • 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
  • 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Sear sausage medallions in a spacious skillet at medium heat until golden brown, approximately 5 minutes. Transfer to a separate plate while preserving the rendered fat.
  2. Infuse the skillet with minced garlic, sautéing in the residual sausage drippings for 60 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
  3. Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and Cajun seasoning, creating a robust and creamy sauce base.
  4. Introduce uncooked pasta directly into the liquid mixture, ensuring complete submersion. Cover and reduce heat to low, allowing the pasta to gently simmer for 14 minutes until perfectly tender.
  5. Reintegrate the seared sausage medallions into the skillet, stirring to distribute evenly throughout the creamy pasta.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the surface, folding continuously until the cheese melts completely and forms a luxurious, glossy coating.
  7. Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld together before serving.

Notes

  • Select spicy andouille sausage for authentic Cajun flavor or swap with mild Italian sausage for less heat.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
  • Cut down on sodium by choosing low-sodium broth and reducing added salt in cajun seasoning.
  • Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for more nutrition and color contrast.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 610
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 1200mg
  • Fat: 40g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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