Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a bold, comforting dish that combines smoky sausage, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, spicy cream sauce in one irresistible meal. It’s quick to make, full of flavor, and comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for weeknights when I want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this pasta because it hits the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory. The Cajun seasoning brings just the right amount of heat, while the sausage adds a smoky depth that flavors the whole dish. The cream sauce mellows out the spice and coats the pasta beautifully, making every bite delicious. It’s easy, filling, and always a hit at the table.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa), sliced
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Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
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Olive oil or butter
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Garlic, minced
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Onion, chopped
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Cajun seasoning
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Heavy cream or half-and-half
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Chicken broth
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Grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and black pepper
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Optional: diced tomatoes, spinach, red pepper flakes, fresh parsley
Directions
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I cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the sliced sausage until browned. I remove it and set it aside.
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In the same skillet, I add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
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I sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, then stir in the chicken broth and cream. I bring it to a simmer and let it cook for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
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I add the cooked sausage back to the pan, followed by the drained pasta. I toss everything together until coated in the creamy sauce.
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I stir in the Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with parsley or extra Cajun spice if I’m in the mood.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings and takes about 25–30 minutes total. It’s a quick dinner that feels indulgent and comforting without requiring a lot of prep or cleanup.
Variations
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I sometimes add spinach or kale for a green veggie boost.
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For extra heat, I include diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
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I use turkey or chicken sausage when I want a lighter version.
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I’ve made it with gluten-free pasta, and it turns out just as creamy and flavorful.
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Diced bell peppers or mushrooms are great additions for extra texture and flavor.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy.
FAQs
Can I use any type of sausage?
Yes, I usually use smoked sausage like andouille or kielbasa, but chicken or turkey sausage works great too.
Is Cajun seasoning really spicy?
It has a bit of a kick, but I can always adjust the amount or use a milder version to suit my taste.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, I use a dairy-free cream alternative and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan version. The flavor is still great.
What pasta shape works best?
I like short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni—they hold the sauce well and are easy to toss with the sausage.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well. I just store it in the fridge and add a little liquid when reheating to keep the sauce smooth.
Conclusion
Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is one of those meals I make when I want something bold, comforting, and fast. It’s rich, full of flavor, and incredibly easy to pull together with ingredients I usually have on hand. Whether I’m feeding the family or just want a comforting bowl of pasta after a long day, this dish always delivers.
