Cajun Sausage Pasta

This Cajun Sausage Pasta is a creamy, smoky, and slightly spicy one-pot wonder that comes together in under 30 minutes. Smoky andouille sausage, bell peppers, and onions are sautéed with Cajun seasoning, then tossed with tender penne in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this quick pasta dish delivers bold Cajun flavor with minimal cleanup. Once you try this creamy Cajun sausage pasta, it will become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One pot — minimal cleanup
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Creamy, smoky, and slightly spicy
• Perfect for busy weeknights
• Great for meal prep — tastes even better the next day
• Customizable heat level

Ingredients Needed

• 12 oz andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz penne pasta
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.

2. Sauté Vegetables
In the same pot, add bell peppers and onion. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and Cajun seasoning, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Add Liquids and Pasta
Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with juices). Bring to a simmer. Add uncooked penne pasta, stirring to submerge.

4. Cook the Pasta
Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.

5. Add Cream and Sausage
Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and reserved sausage. Cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through and sauce is creamy.

6. Finish and Serve
Stir in Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm.

Tips for Success

• Use andouille sausage for authentic Cajun flavor
• Adjust Cajun seasoning amount for desired spice level
• Do not overcook pasta — keep it al dente
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking
• Add a splash of broth or milk if sauce gets too thick

Variations & Substitutions

• Use smoked sausage, kielbasa, or chicken sausage
• Add shrimp or chicken for extra protein
• Make dairy-free with coconut milk
• Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free version
• Add spinach or kale in the last 2 minutes
• Add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with garlic bread or crusty bread
• Pair with a simple green salad
• Top with extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes
• Serve with roasted vegetables on the side
• Add a dollop of sour cream for creaminess

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Cajun sausage pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or milk, or microwave in 1-minute intervals. Freeze for up to 2 months — thaw overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this pasta very spicy?
It has a mild to medium heat. Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preference.

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, rotini, fusilli, or rigatoni work well.

How do I make it less spicy?
Use half the Cajun seasoning or use a mild version.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut milk and dairy-free Parmesan.

What if my sauce is too thin?
Simmer uncovered for a few minutes to thicken. If too thick, add broth.

platehacks

Cajun Sausage Pasta

This Cajun Sausage Pasta is a creamy, smoky, and slightly spicy one-pot wonder that comes together in under 30 minutes. Smoky andouille sausage, bell peppers, and onions are sautéed with Cajun seasoning, then tossed with tender penne in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this quick pasta dish delivers bold Cajun flavor with minimal cleanup.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Cajun

Calories: 680

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 15 oz canned diced tomatoes (1 can)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• large pot or Dutch oven
• cutting board and knife
• wooden spoon

Method

 

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add bell peppers and onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and Cajun seasoning, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with juices). Bring to a simmer. Add uncooked penne pasta, stirring to submerge.
4. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and reserved sausage. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through and sauce is creamy.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm.

Notes

Use andouille sausage for authentic Cajun flavor. Adjust Cajun seasoning amount for desired spice level. Do not overcook pasta — keep it al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of broth or milk if sauce gets too thick.