If you’re looking for a dinner that checks all the boxes—quick, flavorful, and fuss-free—you’re going to love this One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate, loaded with spicy sausage, tender pasta, and a luscious, creamy sauce all cooked in a single pot. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be your go-to comfort food on busy weeknights!

🧡

Why This Recipe Works

One-Pot Simplicity: Everything cooks together—less cleanup, less hassle, and more time to relax.
Bold Cajun Flavor: The seasoning packs a spicy, smoky punch that elevates ordinary pasta to something special.
Creamy Comfort: Heavy cream and Parmesan blend to finish the sauce with irresistible richness.
Balanced Ingredients: The sausage, veggies, and tomatoes work in harmony for texture and flavor balance.

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta, Cajun sausage pasta, easy Cajun pasta recipe, creamy sausage pasta dinner, quick Cajun pasta - The image shows a close-up of a large white bowl filled with creamy rigatoni pasta mixed with slices of browned sausage and small pieces of red bell pepper. The sauce is smooth and orange, coating each piece of pasta evenly. The dish is sprinkled with green herbs and black pepper, adding specks of color on top. A black serving spoon with a silver handle scoops some pasta from the bowl, holding a few rigatoni pieces, sausage slices, and red pepper in the center. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe has a role to play, from giving you that perfect spicy kick to creating a rich, velvety sauce. Plus, shopping for these doesn’t require any exotic finds—most are pantry staples, with a twist!

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta, Cajun sausage pasta, easy Cajun pasta recipe, creamy sausage pasta dinner, quick Cajun pasta - Flat lay of a small dish of golden olive oil, one medium yellow onion and one medium red bell pepper both diced with vibrant colors, a pile of sliced andouille sausage rounds about a dozen pieces, a small heap of minced garlic, a wooden spoonful of reddish Cajun seasoning, a scattering of uncooked rigatoni pasta, two cans of bright diced tomatoes opened with some tomatoes spilling out, a clear cup of creamy heavy cream, a small mound of shredded Parmesan cheese, a few tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, and a small bowl of white cornstarch powder, all placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Olive oil: Perfect for browning the sausage and sautéing veggies without overpowering the dish.
Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth when cooked down.
Red bell pepper: Brings a fresh, slightly sweet crunch that balances the spice.
Andouille sausage: The star of the show, its smoky, spicy flavor defines the dish’s Cajun character.
Minced garlic: Adds punch and aroma, essential for that classic Cajun base.
Cajun seasoning: The secret blend of spices that gives this recipe its signature heat and flavor complexity.
Rigatoni or penne: Ridged pasta shapes that catch the creamy sauce beautifully.
Chicken broth: Infuses the pasta while it cooks, layering flavor into each bite.
Diced tomatoes (undrained): Adds acidity and moisture, balancing out the creaminess.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to a perfect consistency without heaviness.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce irresistibly rich and silky.
Shredded Parmesan cheese: Provides a sharp, nutty flavor that ties everything together.
Fresh parsley: Optional, but I love it for a fresh, herbaceous finish that brightens the plate.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I’ve played around with this One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe quite a bit and found it super fun to personalize. Sometimes I dial down the heat for the kids, other times I throw in extra veggies just to get my greens in. The beauty is that this recipe is flexible—you can make it your own every time you cook it.

Milder version: When my nephew came over, I skipped some of the Cajun seasoning and added smoky paprika instead—still delicious, just gentler on the palate.
Extra veggies: I’ve tossed in mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for more texture and nutrition—feel free to sneak in whatever you have in your fridge.
Swap the sausage: If andouille isn’t in your market, any smoked sausage or kielbasa works great.
Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan for a creamy, cheesy vibe without dairy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet. Toss in the sliced andouille sausage, stirring occasionally for about 3-4 minutes until the edges get nice and browned. This step is key for developing that smoky, caramelized flavor that makes the dish sing.

Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies

Next, add the diced onion and red bell pepper directly to the sausage. Cook them for another 3-4 minutes, or until the veggies soften and start to smell fragrant. The natural sweetness from the onion and pepper balances out the spice perfectly.

Step 3: Flavor Boost with Garlic and Cajun Seasoning

Throw in the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, stirring for about a minute to really toast those spices. This quick step unlocks the seasoning’s rich aroma and makes sure every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth and the undrained diced tomatoes, then add your rigatoni or penne. I like to press the pasta under the liquid with a spatula to make sure it’s fully submerged, so it cooks evenly. Bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 5: Simmer Until Tender

Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover. Let it simmer for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You’ll know the pasta is done when it’s tender but still has a little bite. This step is all about patience—don’t rush it!

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

Here’s a trick I picked up: scoop out about half a cup of the cooking liquid and whisk in the cornstarch to make a smooth slurry. Pour it back into the pot and stir. This step thickens the sauce to the perfect creamy consistency without lumps.

Step 7: Finish with Cream and Cheese

Finally, stir in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese. Let the pasta simmer uncovered for another 2-3 minutes so the sauce thickens beautifully and the cheese melts evenly. Your kitchen will smell incredible at this point—get ready!

Step 8: Garnish and Serve Warm

Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top if you like. Serve this right away for the best taste and creaminess. I promise, your family or guests will be asking for seconds!

💡

Pro Tips for Making One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Use Quality Sausage: I always choose good-quality andouille with a nice smoky flavor—it’s worth it for that authentic Cajun vibe.
Don’t Skip Pressing the Pasta: When you add your rigatoni, make sure it’s fully submerged in the liquid to ensure even cooking without dry spots.
Make the Cornstarch Slurry Smooth: Whisk cornstarch well with liquid to avoid lumps—it gives the sauce that perfect velvety texture.
Avoid Overcooking Pasta: Keep an eye during simmering; overcooked pasta will turn mushy once cream is added.

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this pasta with freshly chopped parsley for a hint of color and freshness. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese on the table for cheese lovers. If you want to kick it up a notch, some crushed red pepper flakes are great too.

Side Dishes

Because this dish is hearty on its own, I usually pair it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up every bit of that creamy sauce. Roasted asparagus or simple steamed green beans also work beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like serving this in those cute small cast iron skillets topped with fresh parsley and a lemon wedge on the side to brighten the dish. You can also bake it briefly with extra cheese on top for a golden crust—it impresses every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I let the pasta cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens quite a bit overnight, so before reheating, I add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up.

Freezing

I usually avoid freezing because cream-based sauces can sometimes separate. But if you need to freeze, keep it in an airtight container and thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently with added liquid to help the sauce come back together.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or milk, stirring frequently until warmed through and creamy again. Avoid the microwave if you can, for a more even and tasty reheat.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?

Absolutely! While andouille sausage gives the classic smoky Cajun flavor, you can substitute smoked kielbasa, chorizo, or even Italian sausage depending on what you have or prefer. Just keep in mind the seasoning may vary.
Is this recipe spicy?

It has a nice kick thanks to the Cajun seasoning and andouille sausage, but it’s not overwhelmingly hot. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or balancing with extra cream.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare most components ahead by slicing the sausage and chopping veggies, but it’s best to cook and combine everything shortly before serving to enjoy the creamy texture at its best.
What pasta works best for this dish?

Rigatoni or penne are ideal because their ridges and tube shapes hold the creamy sauce well. But feel free to use any short pasta you have on hand.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

If your sauce thickens too much, simply stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating until it loosens to your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my weekly rotation because it’s bold, comforting, and so simple to pull off. No fuss, no multiple pots, just a delicious meal that feels like a treat but comes together quickly. If you want to impress your family or just enjoy a cozy dinner solo, give this recipe a try—I’m confident it’ll become a favorite for you too!