One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish, bringing bold Southern flavor to your dinner table in less than 30 minutes. With smoky sausage, tender bowtie pasta, and a creamy, spicy Cajun sauce that clings to every bite, it’s the perfect blend of hearty and indulgent. The creaminess balances beautifully with the Cajun spices, while fire-roasted tomatoes add a tangy, savory layer that makes this dish totally irresistible.

Designed for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers big flavor without the big mess—just one pot needed! It’s ideal for those who want a quick, satisfying dinner that feels gourmet without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the flavors get even better the next day, making it a great meal prep option too.

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

• Bold Cajun spices meet rich, creamy sauce for a perfect flavor balance.
• One pot means minimal cleanup—less mess, more time to enjoy.
• Ready in 30 minutes or less.
• Great for family dinners, casual entertaining, or leftovers.
• Easily adaptable—use your favorite sausage or add veggies like spinach or bell peppers.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create this dish efficiently, you’ll need a few key kitchen tools:

• Large deep skillet or Dutch oven: Essential for holding all the pasta, sauce, and sausage in one pot. This wide base ensures even cooking.
• Sharp knife and cutting board: For slicing sausage and prepping any add-ins like onions or garlic.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Helps stir everything evenly without scratching your cookware.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for getting the spice balance right.
• Colander (if pre-cooking pasta): Though this is a one-pot meal, some variations may require draining briefly if adjusting for texture.

Each tool plays a role in maintaining the “one-pot” simplicity, ensuring smooth prep, cooking, and cleanup.

Preparation Tips

Start by prepping all your ingredients before turning on the stove—this dish moves quickly once it begins. Slice the sausage evenly for uniform cooking, and don’t skimp on browning it well; this adds deep flavor. Adjust the Cajun seasoning depending on your spice preference—store-bought blends vary in heat. When adding cream or cheese, lower the heat to prevent curdling and ensure a silky finish. Lastly, don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente, as it continues to soften in the sauce.

Ingredients for this One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

• 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 14 oz smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille), sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt (optional, based on sausage saltiness)
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional)

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Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5–7 minutes. This step builds flavor into the base of the dish. Remove excess grease if needed, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.

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Step 2: Saute Garlic and Spices

Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, pepper, and salt. This helps bloom the spices and adds depth to the dish.

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Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Pasta, and Broth

Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies (including the liquid), pasta, and chicken broth. Stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

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Step 4: Stir in Cream and Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheeses. Mix well over low heat until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and let the pasta sit for a couple of minutes to thicken. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

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Notes

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is incredibly flexible and can be adjusted to suit your taste. For a spicier version, increase the Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also sneak in vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition without losing flavor. The creamy texture and spicy kick make this a crowd-pleaser that feels like comfort food with a twist.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Not browning the sausage properly: Skipping this step can result in a less flavorful base. Browning adds depth to the dish.
• Overcooking the pasta: Remember it will continue to soften slightly in the creamy sauce, so stop cooking while still al dente.
• Using too much salt: Since sausage and cheese already have salt, go easy at first and adjust at the end.
• Adding cream over high heat: This can cause the sauce to separate or curdle. Lower the heat before stirring in cream.
• Not stirring enough during simmering: Pasta can stick to the bottom if left unattended—stir occasionally to prevent this.

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Storage Instructions

Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months, though the cream may slightly change texture upon thawing—stir well when reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 880mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Penne, rotini, or shells work just as well. Adjust cooking time based on pasta type.

Is this dish very spicy?

It has a mild kick. To reduce heat, use mild sausage and less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. It reheats well, making it great for meal prep or next-day lunches.

What sausage is best?

Smoked kielbasa or andouille are best for flavor. Chicken sausage works if you prefer leaner options.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can swap in coconut cream and dairy-free cheese, but the texture will differ slightly.

How do I thin the sauce if it gets too thick?

Add a splash of chicken broth or milk while reheating to loosen the sauce.

Is it gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can use gluten-free pasta and ensure your sausage is gluten-free.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just make sure your pot is large enough. Cooking time may increase slightly with more volume.

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Conclusion

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is everything you want in a fast, flavorful dinner. It hits all the right notes: creamy, spicy, savory, and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a delicious way to spice up your weeknight meals, this pasta checks all the boxes. Best of all, the one-pot method means cleanup is just as easy as cooking. Try it once, and it might just become a regular on your dinner rotation.

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