One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and bold flavors. The Cajun seasoning provides just the right amount of spice, while the cream cheese adds a rich and smooth texture to the sauce. Plus, it's made in one pot, making cleanup a breeze! Whether you prefer a little more heat or a creamier texture, you can easily customize the recipe to suit your taste. It’s an excellent choice for an easy dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

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 cloves garlic, minced

• 12 oz. gluten-free penne pasta

• ½ cup diced fire-roasted tomatoes

• 3 ½ cups chicken broth

• 2 tablespoons no-salt or low-salt Cajun seasoning mix (*see notes!)

• 7 oz. cream cheese

• Salt, to taste

• Fresh Italian parsley (optional), finely chopped

• Red pepper flakes (optional)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Sausage: Add the sausage to a large skillet or braiser over medium heat. Sear the sausage medallions on both sides until they are slightly crisped up, about 4 minutes total. Once done, remove the sausage and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Keep the sausage oil in the skillet.

2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the mushrooms, peppers, and garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 3 minutes, or until the mushrooms begin to brown.

3. Cook the Pasta: Add the gluten-free penne, fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning to the skillet. Stir everything together, ensuring it's evenly combined. Cover the skillet and bring the broth to a boil.

4. Simmer the Pasta: Once the broth reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium and let the pasta simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.

5. Make it Creamy: Add chunks of cream cheese to the skillet and stir until the cream cheese has melted completely, creating a thick and creamy sauce.

6. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet. Season with salt to taste, and stir everything together. Top with fresh Italian parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Servings: 6

Variations

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to control the heat. Add more for a spicier kick or use less if you prefer a milder dish.

• Creaminess: Add more cream cheese for a richer, creamier texture, or use less if you want a lighter sauce.

• Protein Swap: If andouille sausage isn’t to your liking, feel free to swap it with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a lighter alternative.

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and add more veggies like zucchini, spinach, or broccoli for a hearty vegetarian version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add more heat, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or sprinkle in some extra red pepper flakes before serving.

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute the andouille sausage with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or any other type of sausage you prefer.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free if you use gluten-free penne pasta as the recipe suggests.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can swap the penne pasta with other types like rigatoni, fusilli, or spaghetti. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the type of pasta you use.

How do I know when the pasta is done?

The pasta should be tender and al dente, with most of the liquid absorbed. Stir occasionally during the simmering process to ensure the pasta cooks evenly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or coconut milk. You may also want to swap out the sausage if it contains dairy.

Can I freeze this pasta?

While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

What can I serve this with?

This creamy Cajun sausage pasta pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread, a simple green salad, or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

How can I make this recipe lighter?

For a lighter version, use a lower-fat cream cheese or reduce the amount of cream cheese. You can also opt for a leaner sausage like turkey sausage.

Conclusion

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a true crowd-pleaser with its rich, spicy, and creamy flavors. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal with minimal cleanup. Plus, it's versatile, so you can tweak it to fit your preferences. Whether you’re craving a little heat or a creamier sauce, this dish can be customized to satisfy everyone at the table.

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This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is an easy and flavorful weeknight dinner, featuring savory sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy Cajun sauce.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

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 cloves garlic, minced

12 oz. gluten-free penne pasta

½ cup diced fire-roasted tomatoes

3 ½ cups chicken broth

2 tablespoons no-salt or low-salt Cajun seasoning mix

7 oz. cream cheese

Salt, to taste

Fresh Italian parsley (optional), finely chopped

Red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage: Add the sausage to a large skillet or braiser over medium heat. Sear the sausage medallions on both sides until they are slightly crisped up, about 4 minutes total. Once done, remove the sausage and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Keep the sausage oil in the skillet.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the mushrooms, peppers, and garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 3 minutes, or until the mushrooms begin to brown.
3. Cook the Pasta: Add the gluten-free penne, fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning to the skillet. Stir everything together, ensuring it's evenly combined. Cover the skillet and bring the broth to a boil.
4. Simmer the Pasta: Once the broth reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium and let the pasta simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
5. Make it Creamy: Add chunks of cream cheese to the skillet and stir until the cream cheese has melted completely, creating a thick and creamy sauce.
6. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet. Season with salt to taste, and stir everything together. Top with fresh Italian parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor before serving.

Notes

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to control the heat.
• Creaminess: Add more cream cheese for a richer, creamier texture, or use less for a lighter sauce.
• Protein Swap: Use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or plant-based sausage if preferred.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and add more veggies like zucchini, spinach, or broccoli for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water.
• Freezing: You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 60mg