My mom used to make pasta dishes all the time when I was growing up. They were always comforting and filling, perfect for those busy weeknights when everyone was running in different directions. But there was one pasta dish that always stood out: a creamy, flavorful concoction with a little kick of spice.
It wasn’t until years later that I discovered the magic of Cajun seasoning and realized that was the secret ingredient to that unforgettable flavor. Recreating that dish now brings back so many warm memories of family dinners and laughter around the table. And now I can make a dish that tastes very similar!
This one-pot creamy cajun sausage pasta is my homage to those cherished meals, made even easier for today’s busy lives. I think you’ll love it!
Why you’ll love this One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
- This one-pot recipe means fewer dishes to wash, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
- The creamy sauce, combined with the spicy sausage and Cajun seasoning, creates a flavor explosion in every bite. This cajun sausage pasta is definitely not boring!
- You can customize the level of spice to your liking by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper.
- It’s a complete meal in one pot, with protein, carbs, and veggies all cooked together.
- This recipe is incredibly versatile; feel free to use your favorite type of pasta or add extra vegetables.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound smoked turkey sausage, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
Step 1
Cajun sausage pasta makes every moment feel comforting. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced turkey sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage from the pot and set aside.
Step 2
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and bell peppers to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 3
Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. The aroma will be amazing!
Step 4
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
Step 5
Add the pasta to the pot. Stir to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, covered, for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the liquid is mostly absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking.
Step 6
Stir in the cooked turkey sausage, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Cook until the sauce is heated through and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Don’t let it boil at this stage.
Step 7
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. This one-pot creamy cajun sausage pasta is best served hot!
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
Want to switch things up? Try adding different vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to your cajun sausage pasta. For a vegetarian option, you can omit the sausage altogether and add more vegetables or beans for protein.
If you prefer a different type of protein, cooked chicken or shrimp would also be delicious in this dish. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, for a different flavor profile.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a hotter variety of sausage. If you want a richer flavor, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or adding a tablespoon of cream cheese.
Pairings
This one-pot creamy cajun sausage pasta pairs perfectly with a simple side salad. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette will balance the richness of the pasta.
Some crusty bread or garlic bread is also a great addition to soak up all that delicious sauce. For another side, consider some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.
If you are looking for more Southern-inspired dishes, you can check out Cook Reel’s recipe for southern fried apples, a sweet treat that would be a perfect complement to the savory pasta; you can learn more about it at Cook Reel.
Serving ideas
For a beautiful presentation, serve the pasta in individual bowls and garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top can add a cool and tangy contrast to the spice.
Consider adding a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy touch. If you’re serving this dish at a party, you can keep it warm in a slow cooker or chafing dish.
For a more casual presentation, serve the pasta directly from the pot in the center of the table and let everyone help themselves.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Store leftover cajun sausage pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the pasta cool completely before storing it to prevent it from becoming soggy.
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Freezing this pasta is not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate and become grainy upon thawing. However, if you must freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and try to consume it within 1-2 months for best quality.
Make-ahead
You can prep some of the ingredients for this cajun sausage pasta ahead of time. Chop the onion, garlic, and bell peppers and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This will save you time when you’re ready to cook.
You can also slice the sausage in advance and store it in the refrigerator. If you want to make the entire dish ahead of time, cook it according to the instructions, but slightly undercook the pasta. Then, when you’re ready to serve, reheat it on the stovetop with a little extra chicken broth or water to finish cooking the pasta and rehydrate the sauce.
For a quick meal prep option, consider making a larger batch on the weekend and portioning it out into individual containers for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Common mistakes when making One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
- Not browning the sausage properly: Brown the sausage well to develop a deep, rich flavor that will enhance the overall dish.
- Adding too much liquid: Be careful not to add too much chicken broth, or the pasta will be too watery. Start with the recommended amount and add more only if needed.
- Overcooking the pasta: Overcooked pasta will be mushy and unappetizing. Cook the pasta until it’s just al dente, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
- Forgetting to stir: Stir the pasta occasionally while it’s simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Adding the cream too early: Wait until the pasta is cooked through and the liquid is mostly absorbed before adding the heavy cream. Adding it too early can cause the sauce to become too thick or separate.
Final notes
I hope you enjoy making and eating this one-pot creamy cajun sausage pasta as much as I do. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. The most important thing is to have fun in the kitchen and create a dish that you and your loved ones will enjoy.
Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear what you think of this cajun sausage pasta!
Loved this One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta? Try these next
- External: Coconut Snowball Cake Recipe
- External: Southern Fried Apples Recipe
- Easy Chicken Alfredo
- Spicy Shrimp Scampi
- Creamy Tomato Soup
One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
This one-pot creamy Cajun sausage pasta is a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s packed with flavor. Spicy sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy sauce all come together in one pot for minimal cleanup!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound smoked turkey sausage, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced turkey sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage from the pot and set aside.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and bell peppers to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
- Add the pasta to the pot. Stir to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, covered, for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the liquid is mostly absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in the cooked turkey sausage, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Cook until the sauce is heated through and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or omit the cayenne pepper. You can substitute the turkey sausage with chicken sausage or beef sausage. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg