Name: One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 13 oz. andouille sausage links (about 4 links), sliced into medallions; 6 oz. fresh baby bella mushrooms, cleaned and thinly sliced; 1/2 medium red bell pepper, stemmed, seeds removed, thinly sliced; 1/2 medium yellow bell pepper, stemmed, seeds removed, thinly sliced; 3 large garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 cup canned, diced fire-roasted tomatoes; 12 oz. gluten-free penne pasta; 3 1/2 cups chicken broth; 2 tablespoons no-salt or low-salt Cajun seasoning mix; 7 oz. cream cheese; Salt, to taste; Fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped (optional); Red pepper flakes (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 8 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that brings bold, smoky flavors wrapped in a cozy, creamy hug, then the One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe is going to become your new weeknight obsession. Imagine perfectly spiced andouille sausage mingling with tender baby bella mushrooms, vibrant bell peppers, and a luscious, velvety sauce that clings to every bite of gluten-free penne. This recipe combines ease and indulgence in one pot, making cleanup a breeze and flavor the star of the show. It’s a delicious celebration of Cajun flair packed into a creamy pasta that will warm your heart and wow your taste buds every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black skillet filled with small, round, browned sausage slices that have a mix of golden and dark brown crispy edges, showing a cooked texture. A large wooden spatula lies inside the skillet, slightly lifting some sausage pieces on the right side. The skillet is placed on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and simple background to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting ready to make this dish is delightfully straightforward because each ingredient plays a vital role, infusing the pasta with vibrant color, hearty texture, and authentic Cajun taste. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to bring this soul-warming meal to life.

13 oz. andouille sausage links: Their smoky and spicy flavor is the backbone of the dish and adds a meaty richness.
6 oz. fresh baby bella mushrooms: These mild, earthy mushrooms provide a satisfying bite and soak up all the delicious sauce.
1/2 medium red bell pepper: Sliced thin to add a sweet, crisp contrast and a bright pop of red.
1/2 medium yellow bell pepper: Like the red, this adds a subtle sweetness and cheerful color to the mix.
3 large garlic cloves: Minced to infuse the dish with aromatic depth and a little kick of savory warmth.
12 oz. gluten-free penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape for holding onto the creamy Cajun sauce in every nook.
1/2 cup canned, diced fire-roasted tomatoes: These lend a smoky, tangy complexity that complements the Cajun spices beautifully.
3 1/2 cups chicken broth: The liquid base that cooks the pasta and helps all flavors meld together.
2 tablespoons no-salt or low-salt Cajun seasoning mix: The key to hitting that authentic Louisiana flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
7 oz. cream cheese: This ingredient makes the sauce irresistibly creamy and dreamy in texture.
Salt (to taste): To balance and brighten all the flavors as needed.
Fresh Italian parsley (optional): Chopped finely for a fresh, herbal garnish that adds a hint of green vibrancy.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little extra heat and sparkle on top.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Sausage to Perfection

Start by heating a large skillet or braiser over medium heat and add your sliced andouille sausage. Allow each medallion to sear until it crisps up just a bit and releases that deep smoky aroma, which will build the foundation for the whole dish. This should take about 4 minutes total. Once done, remove the sausage and set it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, but be sure to keep that flavorful sausage oil in the pan—it will work wonders in the next steps!

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan laced with delicious sausage oil, toss in your sliced mushrooms, red and yellow bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté these for roughly 3 minutes until the mushrooms start to brown gently and the peppers soften just enough to become pleasantly tender. This step unlocks their natural sweetness, perfectly balancing the spicy sausage.

Step 3: Add Pasta, Tomatoes, Broth, and Cajun Seasoning

Next, pour in the gluten-free penne pasta, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning. Stir everything gently but thoroughly so all the ingredients mingle evenly. Then cover the pot with a lid and bring the mixture up to a boil, letting the pasta soak in all those smoky, spicy flavors ahead of cooking through.

Step 4: Simmer Until Pasta is Al Dente

Once the liquid boils, reduce the heat to medium to maintain a gentle simmer. Let the pasta cook uncovered for about 12 to 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking and to help the sauce thicken slightly. You’ll want to keep an eye on it so that the pasta finishes perfectly al dente—tender yet with a little bite—to soak up all that creamy Cajun goodness.

Step 5: Melt in the Cream Cheese

When the pasta is just about done, drop in the cream cheese in chunks. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and transforms the broth into a luscious, thick, and creamy sauce. This is the moment your pasta truly turns decadent, coating every piece in rich comfort.

Step 6: Combine and Season

Finally, tumble the seared sausage slices back into the pot, season with salt to your liking, and give everything one last thorough stir to ensure the flavors are perfectly blended. Finish it with a generous sprinkle of fresh Italian parsley and a dash of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little fiery kick. Your One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe is now ready to dazzle at the table!

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

A black skillet filled with creamy pasta, mostly penne, coated in a light yellow sauce, mixed with round slices of browned sausage that have a crispy outer texture, and strips of red, orange, and yellow bell peppers scattered throughout. Fresh green parsley leaves are sprinkled on top, adding a touch of color and freshness, while cracked black pepper is lightly dusted over the dish. The skillet rests on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes takes this dish from delicious to unforgettable. Chopped Italian parsley delivers a bright, herbal pop that contrasts the rich creaminess, while red pepper flakes bring inviting heat and a splash of color. Some freshly grated Parmesan cheese can also add an extra layer of savory indulgence.

Side Dishes

This pasta stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess nicely, or you could serve it alongside roasted vegetables or warm, crusty gluten-free bread to scoop up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this pasta in individual cast iron skillets or rustic bowls for a cozy, family-style vibe. You can also sprinkle a bit of smoky paprika or even some crispy fried onions on top for contrasting textures. For gatherings, turn it into a buffet feature with assorted garnishes so everyone can customize their plates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this creamy Cajun pasta keep really well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

If you want to plan further ahead, this dish freezes nicely too. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just know that the texture of the pasta might soften slightly after freezing, but the flavor remains fabulous.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the creamy sauce if needed. Stir continuously until heated through. You can also microwave leftovers covered in short bursts, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and luscious.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! While andouille sausage gives this dish its iconic smoky Cajun flavor, you can substitute it with Italian sausage, chorizo, or even a smoked turkey sausage if you prefer a lighter option—the recipe is quite flexible.

Is the pasta really gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe uses gluten-free penne, but feel free to swap in your favorite pasta type. Just keep in mind cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pasta.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, try replacing the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese or coconut cream, though the texture and flavor will be somewhat different, it’s still deliciously creamy.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level is moderate thanks to the Cajun seasoning and optional red pepper flakes, but you can adjust it easily by using less seasoning or adding more flakes depending on your spice tolerance.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a dinner party?

Yes! You can chop vegetables and slice sausage beforehand to save time on cooking day. The entire assembled dish can also be made a few hours ahead and kept warm on the stove over very low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a recipe that combines simplicity, comfort, and a pop of vibrant Cajun flavor all in one pot. The One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe delivers just that, with every bite offering a rich, smoky, and creamy delight that’s as easy to make as it is to love. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this is the kind of dish that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going to be your go-to for nights when you want a comforting meal with a little spicy kick!