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, to garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 44 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful, and downright fun dinner that doesn’t leave you with a mountain of dirty dishes, you’ve got to try this One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe. Trust me, it’s my go-to when I want something rich, a bit spicy, and deeply satisfying—all cooked up in one pan! The creamy sauce coated with that smoky andouille sausage and tender pasta will have you hooked from the first bite. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything so you nail it perfectly.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simplicity meets flavor: Everything cooks in one pot, blending bold Cajun spices seamlessly with creamy sauce and sausage.
Perfect texture balance: The rigatoni or penne soaks up the rich sauce but stays wonderfully al dente.
Customizable heat level: You can tweak the Cajun seasoning to be mild or fiery depending on your mood.
One-pot cleanup: If you’re anything like me, less cleanup means making this more often.

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta, Cajun sausage pasta, creamy Cajun pasta, easy Cajun sausage dinner, one pot pasta recipes - 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

The magic of this One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe lies in the balance of fresh veggies, spicy sausage, and a luscious creamy sauce. Each ingredient plays a role in layering flavors and textures, and the pantry staples make it easy to pull off even on busy weeknights.

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta, Cajun sausage pasta, creamy Cajun pasta, easy Cajun sausage dinner, one pot pasta recipes - 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: A good quality oil really enhances the sausage browning and softens the veggies nicely.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth without overpowering the dish.
Red bell pepper: Offers a pop of color and mild sweetness, which balances the Cajun spice.
Andouille sausage: The star of the show—smoky, spicy, and packed with Cajun character.
Garlic: Essential for aromatic richness; fresh is always best here.
Cajun seasoning: Brings that signature kick—you can adjust amount for heat level.
Rigatoni or penne: These tubular pastas hold sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is creamy.
Chicken broth: Keeps the pasta moist and infuses more savory flavor.
Diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and freshness amidst the creamy sauce.
Cornstarch: A clever trick for thickening that sauce without clumping.
Heavy cream: Creates the silky, indulgent texture everyone loves.
Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth and helps thicken the sauce.
Fresh parsley: For garnish—brightens and freshens up the final dish.

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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.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts of this One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe is how flexible it is. I love to tweak it based on what I have on hand or how spicy I’m feeling.

Swapping sausage: I sometimes swap the andouille for smoked kielbasa or chorizo, which adds a different but equally delicious smoky flavor.
Veggie boost: Adding mushrooms or spinach right when the pasta finishes cooking gives it an extra dose of nutrients and freshness.
Heat level: If you like it fiery, I boost the Cajun seasoning or toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper. For milder tastes, just reduce the spice amounts.
Dairy alternatives: Heavy cream is a must for that silky sauce, but you can use half-and-half in a pinch to cut calories.

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

Step 1: Brown the Sausage to Build Flavor

Start by heating your olive oil over medium heat in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven—this is key for even cooking. Toss in the sliced andouille sausage and let it sizzle for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s browned and smelling smoky. Browning the sausage adds a wonderful caramelized depth to the dish, so don’t rush this step.

Step 2: Soften the Veggies

Add the diced yellow onion and red bell pepper straight into that glorious sausage fat. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the veggies are just starting to soften—you want them tender but still with a little bite for texture.

Step 3: Toast the Garlic and Cajun Seasoning

Stir in the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, cooking everything together for about a minute to let those aromatics bloom. Keep an eye on it and stir constantly to avoid burning the garlic—toast it until fragrant!

Step 4: Add Liquids and Pasta, Then Simmer

Pour in your chicken broth, undrained diced tomatoes, and raw rigatoni pasta. Give it a good stir, pushing the pasta down so it’s submerged in the liquid. Crank the heat to medium-high and bring it to a boil, then reduce to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick and cooks evenly.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce with Cornstarch Slurry

Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, scoop out about half a cup of the cooking liquid into a small bowl. Whisk in your cornstarch until dissolved, then pour that back into the pot. This little trick will thicken everything up beautifully without any lumps.

Step 6: Stir in Cream and Parmesan for That Silky Finish

Slowly mix in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese. Let the pot simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 more minutes so the sauce thickens and the cheese melts perfectly.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Take it off the heat, sprinkle fresh parsley on top, and serve it up warm. From my experience, that pop of green isn’t just pretty—it adds a fresh, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness nicely.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Use a large skillet or Dutch oven so your sausage browns rather than steams.
Stir pasta often: Keeps noodles from sticking as they cook directly in the broth and tomatoes.
Adjust cream carefully: Add a splash more or less depending on how rich and saucy you want it.
Skip overcooking pasta: Check pasta a minute or two early, so it stays al dente, not mushy.

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I always go for a sprinkle of fresh parsley because it brightens things up visually and flavors-wise. Sometimes a little extra shredded Parmesan on top never hurts, especially if you love that cheesy finish as much as I do.

Side Dishes

This dish is perfectly hearty on its own, but if you want to add a side, I recommend a crisp green salad to cut through the richness or some crunchy garlic bread to sop up every last bit of that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I’ve served this pasta in cute, individual cast iron skillets. It feels extra cozy and impressive. Also, a garnish of sliced green onions or a dash of smoked paprika adds a little restaurant-style flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the meal, I like to let my leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors deepen overnight, which is a nice bonus.

Freezing

This recipe freezes okay, but the texture of the cream sauce can change a bit. If you freeze it, make sure to cool fully then freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwaving works too, but stirring halfway through helps keep things creamy and smooth.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?

Absolutely! Rigatoni or penne work best because their tube shape holds sauce well, but you can use other pasta like fusilli, farfalle, or even elbow macaroni if that’s what you have. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they can vary.
What can I substitute if I don’t have andouille sausage?

If andouille isn’t available, smoked sausage, kielbasa, or chorizo are great substitutes that keep the smoky, spicy vibe alive. Just make sure whatever you use is pre-cooked or cook it thoroughly during the first step.
Is this recipe very spicy?

The heat depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. Most store-bought blends provide moderate spice, but you can always adjust the amount to your taste—use less for milder heat or add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra kick.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast. Keep in mind the texture will change a bit, but it still results in a creamy, flavorful pasta.
What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stirring the pasta occasionally while it simmers in the broth and tomatoes is crucial to avoid sticking. Using enough liquid so the pasta is mostly submerged also helps cook it evenly and prevents clumping.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen because it feels fancy but is so easy to throw together. It’s the kind of meal that welcomes you home, warms your belly, and impresses without stress. I really hope you give it a go—you’ll love how such simple ingredients come together to create something that tastes way beyond the effort you put in. Grab your pan, and let’s get cooking!