Nothing says simple like a one pot dinner recipe and this creamy cajun sausage pasta recipe is exactly that! This 30-minute meal is perfect for those weeknight dinners when we're craving something that's luxuriously creamy with a spicy kick. It's an easy gluten-free recipe that's also customizable for those who prefer a little less heat (or more!) or would like it even creamier (or less creamy too!).
Who's ready to put something insanely delicious into their mouth for dinner tonight? That's not really even a question. It's just a basic life goal.
Does the idea of creamy, saucy pasta with a cajun flair pull at your heartstrings just a bit? Okay, maybe a lot? If so, this recipe is for you, bruh.
And if not, this recipe is still for you cuz I'm gonna walk you through some ways you can alter the recipe if you're shaking your head left and right at the cajun flair or, dare I say, the creaminess. This is where my fitness instructor and health coach persona want to dive in and talk about balance in food and life and that eating creamy pasta isn't going to destroy your health goals. We'll save that for another blog post conversation. But spicy food? I get it. Sometimes as much as we want, spice just doesn't agree with us or those we are serving for dinner so be sure to check out my ingredient suggestions farther down.
Let's dive into this plate of scrumptious, creamy pasta. Over and over again.
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🌟 Why you'll love this recipe
Aside from the obvious reasons (creamy, saucy, super-comforting pasta), this is an awesome back pocket go-to weeknight recipe because not only is it so ridiculously tasty but it's so ridiculously EASY.
- One pot. The human dishwasher in your home will love this recipe for that alone. Whenever dinner can be made in a single vessel without completely destroying the kitchen we should consider it a victory.
- 30 minutes. Failing to meal plan happens (and honestly I'm terrible at it) which can leave us staring at the dinner clock when hunger strikes feeling either a bit stressed or ready to just toss in the towel for a bag of tortilla chips. But an over-the-top tasty dinner in 30 minutes? We got this.
- Creamy, saucy, super-comforting pasta. Just cuz it's worth mentioning again. The cajun, creamy flair combined with that smokey andouille sausage elicits a chef's kiss.
🛒 Ingredients & suggestions
- Andouille sausage: Smoky, cajun-style andouille sausage brings some of the spicy kick to this recipe but if you'd like to tone down the heat try mild Italian sausage (pork or chicken) or kielbasa smoked sausage instead. For a vegan version of this recipe use vegan andouille sausage (but be mindful that many vegan sausages are not gluten-free). Brand suggestion: Hempler's Andouille Sausage
- Cajun seasoning: You could make a homemade cajun seasoning blend but I went the quick and easy route with a store-bought cajun seasoning mix. DO NOT use cajun seasoning blends that list salt as its first ingredient, otherwise you will end up with a very salty plate of pasta. Also, feel free to use more or less than I suggest in the recipe if your tastebuds prefer a different level of spice. This recipe was developed specifically using the cajun seasoning brand I suggest. If you use a different cajun seasoning the results may be significantly more or less spicy. Brand suggestion: McCormick Grill Mates Louisiana Cajun Seasoning
- Fire-roasted tomatoes: I often use canned fire-roasted tomatoes in my recipes because I love the extra depth and subtle smokey sweetness that they add to a recipe but if you're in a pinch regular canned diced tomatoes will work as well. Brand suggestion: Muir Glen Diced Fire-Roasted Tomatoes
- Gluten-free penne pasta: The shape, as well as the type of pasta, is really up to you but penne pasta is definitely a good place to start. Brand suggestion: Jovial Gluten-Free Penne Rigate
- Chicken broth: Cook the pasta in broth in order to skip that extra step of cooking the pasta in a separate pot of water (less dishes to wash!) and to help create that creamy, flavorful sauce we long for. I haven't tried making this recipe with veggie broth but I don't see why it wouldn't work. Just be mindful that veggie broth will change the flavor of the finished dish and the intended outcome of this recipe.
- Cream cheese: This is what elevates the sauce to next level tasty. I give my suggestion for how much to use in the recipe card below but feel free to add more or less. This is really where you can decide how you'd like to unleash your creamy pasta sauce goals. You can also substitute vegan cream cheese if that's your calling.
- Veggies: Red and orange bell peppers along with some sliced baby bella mushrooms were the path I took but sliced onions would also be delish. Broccoli or cauliflower florets would be great as well.
For a full list of ingredients and quantities see the recipe card at the end of this post.
🔪 Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Crisp up the sausage in a large skillet. Typically andouille sausage releases enough of its own fats to skip any need for adding extra oil to the skillet for sautéing. It will be tempting to snack on a few, so just embrace it and give one (or two) of those medallions a 'taste test'.
Step 2: Once the sausage is browned, remove from the pan and set aside. Then sauté the peppers and mushrooms in the same pan used for the sausage.
Step 3: After the peppers and mushrooms have sautéed for a bit, add in the fire-roasted tomatoes, cajun seasoning, pasta, and chicken broth. Give everything a stir to combine.
Step 4: Put the lid on, bring to a boil, and let it cook babe. Your inner food soul is beginning to sing now.
Step 5: Once the pasta reaches that perfect al dente state of being, stir in the cream cheese. This is where the creamy magic reveals itself.
Step 6: Add the sausage back in. Maybe add a little more cream cheese too cuz there's an inner tugging telling us to just go for it.
Step 7: Add fresh Italian parsley! For a fresh pop of color and taste.
Step 8: Serve it with an optional side of red pepper flakes for another hit of spice, tuck a napkin into your shirt collar, and dig into that plate of creamy cajun pasta heaven.
👩🍳 Recipe tips!
- Be sure to use a large skillet! There is nothing worse than making a one pot meal and discovering partway through the cooking process that your vessel is too small. I love my 3.5-Quart Staub braiser with a glass lid for recipes like this. It's great for sauteing, perfect for holding a lot of food, and the glass lid allows me to peep at the food without continually lifting the lid off.
- Occasionally stir the pasta while it's cooking. Since we are using juuust enough liquid to cook the pasta and make the creamy sauce at the same time, we need to stir the pasta every once in a while to ensure even cooking and to release the pasta from the bottom of the skillet if it begins to stick. A non-stick or enameled cooking vessel (such as the one I suggested above) can help prohibit the pasta from excessively sticking to the pan.
💭 Frequently asked questions:
This recipe would be completely delish with chicken, prawns, shrimp, or even crayfish. Ooooh, or try a combo such as chicken and shrimp together!
Try substituting Greek yogurt in place of the cream cheese. Begin with a ¼ cup yogurt and then add more as needed. However, know that the creamy texture and flavor of the sauce will be altered some. But please do try this recipe at least once with the cream cheese.
Sure! Cook the recipe as stated, then divide into separate containers, and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply reheat when ready to eat!
Easiest creamy pasta dinner recipe is calling. Get the dinner bell ready because it's only going to take 30 minutes. ♡
🎥 Watch how to make this cajun pasta!
✨ More tasty pasta recipes!
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? If so, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment and a star rating below! I greatly appreciate your feedback and it is also so helpful for other PMST readers who are thinking about making the recipe. Remember to snap a photo and tag @passmesometasty on Instagram so I can see!
Print📖 Recipe
One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Nothing says simple like a one pot dinner recipe and this creamy cajun sausage pasta recipe is exactly that! Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner and can be easily customized for those who prefer a little less heat (or more!) or would like it even creamier (or less creamy too!).
Ingredients
- 13 oz. andouille sausage links (about 4 links), sliced into medallions
- 6 oz. fresh baby bella mushrooms, cleaned and thinly sliced
- ½ medium red bell pepper, stemmed, seeds removed, and thinly sliced
- ½ medium yellow bell pepper, stemmed, seeds removed, and thinly sliced
- 3 large cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz. gluten-free penne pasta
- ½ cup diced fire-roasted tomatoes
- 3 ½ cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons McCormick Grill Mates Louisiana Cajun Seasoning (*see notes!)
- 7 oz. cream cheese
- fresh Italian parsley (optional), finely chopped
- red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
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Add the sausage to a large skillet or braiser over medium heat and sear the sausage medallions on both sides, until they crisp up a bit, about 4 minutes total (see notes). Remove and set aside on a paper towel lined plate. Don’t get rid of that sausage oil!
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Add the mushrooms, peppers, and garlic to the same skillet you cooked the sausage in and sauté for about 3 minutes, or just until the mushrooms begin to brown.
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Next, add the pasta, fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, and cajun seasoning to the skillet. Stir just until everything is evenly combined, then place a lid on top and allow the broth to come up to a boil.
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Once boiling, turn the heat down to medium and let the pasta simmer for roughly 12-15 minutes (see notes), stirring every couple of minutes until the pasta is tender and cooked al dente.
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Add the cream cheese to the skillet in chunks and stir until it has completely melted and created a thick and creamy sauce.
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Add the sausage back into the skillet, give everything another big stir, top the pasta with a sprinkling of fresh Italian parsley and red pepper flakes aaand SERVE!
Notes
The equipment section above contains affiliate links to products I use or recommend.
Cajun seasoning: DO NOT use a cajun seasoning blend that lists salt as its first ingredient. You will end up with a very salty plate of pasta if you do!
Adjusting the spice level: If you'd like to tone down the heat try mild Italian sausage (pork or chicken) or kielbasa smoked sausage instead. You can also tone down the heat by adjusting how much of the cajun seasoning you add. This recipe was developed specifically using the cajun seasoning brand I suggest. If you use a different cajun seasoning the results may be significantly more or less spicy.
Adjusting the creaminess: Feel free to add more or less cream cheese in order to achieve your perfect level of saucy creaminess.
I used pre-cooked andouille sausage. If the sausage you use is not precooked be sure to adjust your cooking time to ensure that it's fully cooked.
The amount of time required to cook the pasta will completely depend on the pasta you use so just check it every once in a while and test for doneness.
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Keywords: pasta, dinner recipe, 30-minute recipe, cajun
Disclaimer: All brand recommendations are purely my own opinion. I am in no way sponsored or compensated by the brands mentioned in this post for my recommendations. This post may also contain affiliate links from which I may receive a small commission (without any additional costs to you). The money earned from these commissions helps me to maintain this website. Thank you for your support!
DAWN KING
We loved this recipe! It will be a regular at our house. I happened to have some shrimp in the freezer so I pan seared them and served on top of the pasta. Yum. Yum. Yum!
Jess
Would this be good with cheese tortellini as the noodle / pasta of choice ?
Shannon Emery
Hi Jess, I haven't tested this recipe using cheese tortellini but I think it would probably be pretty tasty! If you give it a try I'd love to hear how it turns out and what you think!
Micaela
Jennifer
I’ll admit, I was super skeptical at the lack of Parmesan, but this is DELISH. Even my pasta hating spouse loved it!
Shannon Emery
Love hearing this Jennifer! So happy to hear that you and your husband enjoyed it!
Jamie McMahon
100% Delish!!!! My husband loves this recipe. I wasn't sure at first about making this, but this is soooo good! I have to keep this recipe limited to twice a month. Lol
JmcMachon
Absolutely delish!!! I made a small batch for my husband and I, He couldn't stop going back to keep filling his bowl. I made my own cajun seasoning. I made sure not to add to much salt. He wants this dish into rotation. Might add some asparagus next time. Great recipe!!
Shannon Emery
Yay!! Thanks so much for the wonderful review!!
RachaelC
Delicious!! We skip the mushrooms but absolutely love this dish and have made it 3 times now. Thank you!
Shannon Emery
So happy to hear this is a recipe winner for you Rachael! Thank you for taking the time to leave your rating and review!
Ally
This recipe is absolutely delicious. It is an easy homemade pasta sauce that my family loves!
Shannon Emery
That's so great to hear Ally! Thank you for taking the time to leave your comment and rating!
Jeaness W Thibodeau
My hubby has made this several times. It's really good and is now a requested favorite!
Shannon Emery
So happy to hear Jeaness! Thank you for taking the time to leave your comment and rating!
Madi W
DELISH. I made it to a T and it was the best pasta I’ve ever had.
Shannon Emery
Love hearing this Madi! So happy to hear you enjoyed this recipe!
Rob
Made it as directed and also by substituting cream cheese with a Cajun roux. Both are great
Steph
Fantastic dish! I loved how easy this recipe is. I didn't have cream cheese but did have marscapone and wow - so delicious. Everyone loved it. Will make again, thanks!
Shannon Emery
Oooh Steph, mascarpone in this recipe sounds divine! Thanks for leaving such a glowing comment and rating!
Carri
My family loved this and will for sure make it again. I didn’t have fire roasted tomatoes so I just skipped that. Next time I will use reduced sodium chicken broth and Turkey sausage. I thought it was a bit too salty but the family didn’t mind at all. I will make it with peppers next time. I had broccoli and yellow squash on hand and roasted it in the oven first and added it back in with the sausage. I used chick pea pasta for the first time and no one even could even tell. My family ate every bite.
Shannon Emery
So glad to hear your family enjoyed it Carri! Thank you for your rating and review!
Jess
Would this be good with cheese tortellini as the noodle / pasta of choice ?
Amanda Musick
I didn’t have fire roasted tomatoes so I actually cooked the tomatoes down on a skillet with some liquid smoke first and it gave it to smoky flavor
Rose
Excellent recipe! Easy to follow. I did add the whole can of roasted tomatoes, and i added spinach as someone suggested in the previous comments. Hubby enjoyed it very much and next time suggested adding crab or shrimp to the recipe. Try this recipe, you won't regret it. I did add a couple of teaspoons of milk for reheating leftovers, made the sauce creamier! Thank you for the recipe.
Charles Young
Everyone in the house loved this recipe. I changed a few thing tho. Instead of 12oz of pasta I used the whole box(16oz). I used the whole can of fire roasted tomatoes and added all 32oz of chicken broth. I also omitted the mushrooms, ilove them but most of my family doesn't. I will definitely make this again
Shannon Emery
Yay! So glad to hear it was a mealtime win with your family Charles!
Cloudyah
Followed step by step and ohhh my sooo good!!! I added a little bit of spinach to give even out the colors and just as good!! Quick, easy recipe and its a hit with both my picky son and husband. Win, win. Cant wait to try some other from ya!!
Shannon Emery
I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed it! And I love your idea of adding some spinach! Thank you for sharing!
Isabele
Based on the reviews when using Tony’s, I only used 1 tbsp of it but it’s STILL so salty!!! I can handle the spice but the salt is too much for me. Next time I’m using only half a tbsp. Otherwise, yummy recipe!!!
Shannon Emery
Hi Isabele, I’m so sorry to hear that the cajun seasoning you used resulted in it being a bit too salty. I hope you’ll give it a try again and use a cajun seasoning that doesn’t list salt as the first ingredient as I mention in the post in the recipe suggestions section or that you will consider trying the brand I recommend. Let me know how it goes next time! And thank you for sharing your results from using Tony Chachere’s seasoning.
Isabele
Tony’s is what we have (we love it for other recipes) so that’s what I used. Some people probably only have that in their pantry too and don’t want to have to buy a new/different one, like me. It’s just crazy that even cutting it down in half still resulted in a very salty dish lol I was even worried that I cut it back too much but knew I could always add more. Definitely going down to even 1/4 tbsp if I feel like making it again. Thanks for this recipe!
Mary
This is very spicy if you use Tony Chachere's! I cooked it per the directions, but also found it much too salty and spicy (TC's has salt as the first ingredient as noted by author). When noodles were done I scooped everything out into a bowl and tossed the liquid, then put everything back in the pan and added the cream cheese over low heat. Still had plenty of spice. I used kielbasa (medallions sliced in half) and added fresh green beans to the pan after the pasta had come to a boil. Very tasty recipe!
Shannon Emery
Hi Mary, I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed the recipe in spite of the saltiness from the cajun seasoning you used. I hope you try it again with the cajun seasoning I suggest or one that doesn’t list salt as the first ingredient as I mentioned in the recipe suggestions in the post. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment and letting us know what your experience was using Tony Chachere’s!
Caitlin
My boyfriend and i looove this recipe! Great for meal planning during the week or anytime quick dinner!
Shannon Emery
I totally agree Caitlin. So happy to hear that you both enjoy this recipe as much as I do!
Annalisa Robinson
This was a great one pot meal! My family loved it!
Shannon Emery
So happy to hear Annalisa! Thanks for sharing!
Hayley Rose
Soooo happy with this recipe! My fiancé had a bad day and I wanted to cook something for him for when he got home. We’re both store managers in the service industry and days can be long and hard so I was really hoping this recipe would hit the spot and it did!!! Super flavorful - just like I was searching for - and we had a great night! Thank you!!
Shannon Emery
I'm so happy to hear Hayley! Nothing like a tasty meal to help ease the troubles of a bad day a little bit. I love hearing that this recipe helped to provide you and your fiancé with a great evening. Thanks for sharing! ❤️
L
So tasty! Do you know if this freezes well? I have a lot leftover that I'd like to save!
Shannon Emery
Yes, you can freeze it which is great for meal prep or just when you want to have a dinner on hand at a later time. However, just be aware that the pasta will soak up more moisture so it won't have that al dente texture when you thaw and reheat it.
Stacie Taylor
Its delicious and easy to make, thought it was going to be complicated but it wasn't. I just need to add a little water in place of the chicken stock and ease up on the Tony's Chachere's. Great job!!!
Shannon Emery
Awesome Stacie! So glad to hear you found it easy to make!
Christina
Nice recipe although mine came out salty and too spicy. I used organic cajun seasoning from Walmart. Next time I will be light on the hand with the seasoning. Will make again!
Shannon Emery
Hi Christina, I'm so sorry to hear about how your cajun seasoning impacted the recipe. I provide some suggestions for which cajun seasoning to use and what to look out for under the Recipe Ingredients & Suggestions in the post. Be sure to check that out and to avoid cajun seasoning blends that have salt listed as their first ingredient. I hope the seasoning turns out better for you next time!
Tara
Very delicious and easy to make. You can tailor it to the items that you like. The pasta itself is delicious with the sauce. I used chorizo and Italian sausage, but this would be delicious with a blackened chicken breast or grilled shrimp on top of the pasta.
Shannon Emery
Thank you for sharing Tara! I agree, blackened chicken or grilled shrimp would be tasty too!
Mallory
Made this for a dinner party last night and it was an absolute hit! Turned out just perfect. LOVE that it was a one pot dish. I made it in my Le Creuset Dutch oven and actually served it in the same pot so it *really* cut down on dishes. Cooking the pasta in broth, spices, tomatoes, peppers, etc. and then just letting all the liquid cook down makes this meal flavor packed. I had a bit of a crowd so I doubled it the recipe, but accidentally put in only one serving of cream cheese. To be honest, it still seemed plenty creamy. Highly recommend! Thanks for the recipe!
Shannon Emery
Aw, thank you so much for your kind words and lovely review, Mallory! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!