Name: One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta (30-Minutes) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
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 garlic cloves, minced; 12 oz. gluten-free penne pasta; ½ cup (120 g) canned, diced fire-roasted tomatoes; 3 ½ cups (830 ml) chicken broth; 2 tablespoons no-salt or low-salt Cajun seasoning mix; 7 oz. cream cheese; Salt to taste; Fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped (optional); Red pepper flakes (optional)

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If you’re craving a dinner that brings big bold flavors, creamy textures, and vibrant colors all in one pot, you’re going to love this One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta (30-Minutes) Recipe. It’s a brilliant blend of smoky andouille sausage, fresh veggies, and tender pasta tossed in a rich, velvety sauce spiced with Cajun seasoning. What makes this dish truly special is how it all comes together quickly without sacrificing any of the comfort or flavor you want after a long day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black pan with a wooden spatula resting inside is shown twice on a white marbled surface. In the first image, the pan holds many small, golden-brown cooked sausage slices scattered evenly across the bottom, each with a slightly crispy texture. In the second image, the pan contains cooked vegetable slices, including red and yellow bell peppers and light brown mushrooms, all mixed together with a soft, slightly shiny texture. The wooden spatula is positioned similarly inside the pan in both images. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering straightforward and fresh ingredients is key to making this recipe shine. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s the smokiness of the andouille, the earthiness of baby bella mushrooms, or the creamy tang from the cream cheese that brings everything together.

Andouille sausage (13 oz.): This smoked sausage adds a spicy, robust flavor that’s the star of the dish.
Baby bella mushrooms (6 oz.): Sliced thinly, they add a lovely earthy depth and meaty texture.
Red and yellow bell peppers: Half of each, thinly sliced, these bring sweetness and vibrant color to the pan.
Garlic cloves (3 large): Minced for that irresistible aromatic punch that elevates the entire sauce.
Gluten-free penne pasta (12 oz.): Perfect for soaking up the sauce while keeping things gluten-friendly.
Diced fire-roasted tomatoes (½ cup): Adds a smoky tomato depth contributing to the sauce’s complexity.
Chicken broth (3 ½ cups): The liquid base that cooks the pasta while infusing flavor.
Cajun seasoning mix (2 tablespoons): Provides the signature spice blend that makes this pasta authentically Cajun.
Cream cheese (7 oz.): The secret to the creamy and dreamy texture that coats every bite.
Salt: To taste, balancing all the bold flavors.
Fresh Italian parsley (optional): Chopped finely as a fresh, herbal garnish to brighten up the dish.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For an extra kick if you like it a little hotter.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta (30-Minutes) Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the sausage and vegetables

Start by heating a splash of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned and sizzling, releasing those smoky oils. Toss in the mushrooms, red and yellow bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for about 5 minutes until the veggies soften and the garlic turns fragrant. This step builds the foundational flavors that make this One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta (30-Minutes) Recipe so memorable.

Step 2: Add pasta, tomatoes, broth, and Cajun seasoning

Next, pour in the penne pasta, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning mix. Give everything a good stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered. This is where the pasta starts to cook and soak up the spicy, smoky flavors from the broth and sausage. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Stir in cream cheese for a luscious sauce

Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed—about 15 minutes—reduce the heat to low. Add the cream cheese in chunks and stir until completely melted and incorporated, creating a luxuriously creamy sauce. Taste and adjust salt, then add optional red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. This creamy finish is the hallmark of the One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta (30-Minutes) Recipe.

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta (30-Minutes) Recipe

The image shows a black pan filled with a mix of ingredients over a white marbled surface. Inside the pan, there are three main layers: at the bottom, slices of red bell pepper and chunks of tomato make a bright, colorful base. Next, uncooked penne pasta sits on top, pale yellow and mixed with some of the vegetables. The top layer is a sprinkling of brownish-red spice powder spread evenly across the pasta and vegetables. The second part of the image shows the same pan covered with a glass lid that is fogged with steam, slightly hiding the colorful ingredients underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped Italian parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh herbal flavor. If you love a hint of heat, a few red pepper flakes scattered over the plate elevate the spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or garlic bread. The freshness of a salad helps balance the creamy, spicy pasta, while garlic bread welcomes you to soak up every last bit of that decadent sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve the pasta family-style in a rustic cast-iron skillet straight to the table. You can also portion it into bowls and sprinkle a little parmesan or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten flavors and add an extra dimension.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it an excellent next-day meal.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if kept in freezer-safe containers. Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. To avoid texture changes, add a splash of broth or water while reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals. Add a little broth, cream, or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! While andouille brings authentic Cajun flavor, you can swap in smoked sausage, kielbasa, or even chicken sausage to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

Is this pasta recipe spicy?

The Cajun seasoning provides a moderate heat level that you can control easily. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the seasoning or omit red pepper flakes.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream or coconut cream, but be mindful that it will slightly change the flavor and texture.

What can I use instead of gluten-free penne?

Any short pasta shape works well here—regular penne, rigatoni, or even rotini. Just adjust cooking times as needed based on the pasta used.

How do I make my One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta less thick?

If you find the sauce too thick after cooking, stir in a little extra chicken broth or cream until it reaches your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta (30-Minutes) Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings a little bit of bold Cajun soul right to your dinner table. It’s fast, delicious, and comforting all at once. Trust me, once you try it, it will become one of those go-to meals you make again and again on busy weeknights or whenever you want to feel a little festive. So grab your ingredients and dive into this creamy, spicy pasta adventure—you won’t regret it!

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta (30-Minutes) Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need