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One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a bold, comforting dinner packed with smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a rich, spicy cream sauce—all made in a single pot. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to pull together on a busy night.
This creamy Cajun pasta recipe is especially popular for weeknight dinners because it uses simple ingredients and minimizes cleanup. The Cajun seasoning brings warmth and depth without overpowering the dish, while the creamy sauce balances the spice perfectly.
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If you’re looking for a hearty, flavor-packed meal that the whole family will love, this one-pot Cajun sausage pasta is a guaranteed winner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made entirely in one pot for easy cleanup
- Creamy, smoky, and perfectly seasoned
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Uses pantry and fridge staples
- Easily customizable for spice level and add-ins
About the Ingredients
Smoked Sausage
Smoked sausage adds deep, savory flavor and a hearty texture. It browns beautifully and infuses the entire dish with smoky richness.
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Farfalle Pasta
Bowtie pasta holds the creamy sauce well and cooks evenly in one-pot recipes. Its shape adds texture and visual appeal.
Cajun Seasoning
Cajun seasoning brings warmth, spice, and complexity. You can adjust the amount to keep it mild or turn up the heat.
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Heavy Cream
Heavy cream creates a smooth, velvety sauce that balances the spice and coats every bite of pasta.
Cheddar Cheese
Shredded cheddar adds creaminess and a slightly sharp flavor that complements the Cajun spices perfectly.
Diced Tomatoes
Tomatoes add acidity and moisture, helping create a balanced, flavorful sauce without making it heavy.
Tips & Tricks
- Brown the sausage well for maximum flavor
- Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels
- Add cream after lowering the heat to prevent curdling
- Let the sauce thicken before serving
Pro Tips
- Mix cheddar with Monterey Jack for extra creaminess
- Add bell peppers for color and sweetness
- Sprinkle Parmesan on top for extra depth
- Let the pasta rest a few minutes before serving for thicker sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned on both sides, allowing the edges to caramelize. Remove the sausage and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté the diced onion until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Return the sausage to the pot, then add the uncooked pasta, diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream until fully combined. Add the shredded cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Let the pasta simmer uncovered for a few minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and serve hot.
Variations
- Add diced bell peppers or onions for extra veggies
- Use Andouille sausage for a more traditional Cajun flavor
- Stir in red pepper flakes for extra heat
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese
- Add shrimp for a surf-and-turf twist
How to Store
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator
- Keeps fresh for up to 4 days
- Not ideal for freezing due to cream-based sauce
- Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta less spicy?
Yes, reduce the Cajun seasoning and skip red pepper flakes.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, penne or rotini work well with similar cooking time.
Why add cream at the end?
Adding cream at lower heat prevents curdling and keeps the sauce smooth.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely—bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms are great additions.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it reheats well and keeps its flavor for several days.
One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced sausage and brown on both sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the diced onion until soft, then add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Return the sausage to the skillet and add the pasta, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and seasonings.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12–14 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream until combined.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Simmer uncovered for a few minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and serve hot.
Notes
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