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Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta (Ready in 30 Minutes!)
If you love bold flavors, creamy sauces, and satisfying comfort food, this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is about to become your new go-to dinner. Packed with smoky sausage, tender pasta, colorful bell peppers, and a rich Cajun-spiced cream sauce, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 30 minutes.
Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something hearty with a little kick, this Cajun pasta recipe combines creamy comfort with just the right amount of spice.
Best of all? It’s made in one skillet for easy cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
This dish checks all the boxes for a perfect easy weeknight pasta dinner:
- Ready in 30 minutes
- One-pan recipe
- Creamy and comforting
- Bold Cajun flavor
- Family-friendly (adjustable spice level)
- Perfect for leftovers
It’s the ideal balance of smoky, spicy, and creamy — without being overly heavy.
What Makes Cajun Flavor So Irresistible?
Cajun seasoning is known for its bold blend of spices, often including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and a touch of cayenne.
When combined with creamy sauce and smoky sausage, those spices bloom into a deeply flavorful base that coats every bite of pasta. The cream softens the heat while still allowing the spices to shine.
The result? A rich, slightly spicy, ultra-satisfying spicy sausage pasta that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
- 14 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides (about 4–5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add bell peppers and sauté for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika over the vegetables. Stir to coat evenly.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return sausage to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Add cooked pasta and toss until fully coated.
- If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Dinner is ready in just 30 minutes.
Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
A bold and creamy Cajun sausage pasta made in one skillet and ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pasta until al dente.
- Brown sausage in skillet.
- Sauté vegetables and add spices.
- Add cream and broth; simmer.
- Stir in cheese and combine with pasta.
Notes
Adjust Cajun seasoning based on preferred spice level.
Tips for the Best Results
Choose Quality Sausage
Andouille sausage adds authentic Cajun flavor, but any smoked sausage works well.
Control the Heat
Cajun seasoning varies in spice level. Start with less and adjust to taste.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese
Fresh Parmesan melts better and creates a smoother sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Cook just until al dente to maintain the perfect texture.
Delicious Variations
Add Shrimp
Turn it into a Cajun seafood pasta by adding sautéed shrimp.
Make It Creamier
Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese for extra richness.
Add Vegetables
Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini blend beautifully into this sauce.
Make It Lighter
Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this creamy Cajun sausage pasta with:
- Garlic bread
- Simple green salad
- Roasted asparagus
- Steamed broccoli
The bold flavors balance beautifully with lighter sides.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat:
- Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth.
- Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.
This pasta can also be frozen for up to 2 months, though the sauce may need extra cream when reheating.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Busy Nights
We all need reliable recipes that deliver big flavor without complicated steps.
This 30 minute pasta recipe:
- Uses simple ingredients
- Requires just one skillet
- Feels indulgent but is easy to make
- Satisfies even picky eaters
It’s comfort food with a spicy twist — ready in half an hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Prepare fully and refrigerate. Reheat with a splash of liquid.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be less rich. Add a tablespoon of butter for extra flavor.
Is it very spicy?
It has mild to moderate heat. Adjust seasoning to your preference.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta brings bold Southern-inspired flavor to your dinner table in just 30 minutes. Smoky sausage, tender pasta, vibrant peppers, and a rich Cajun cream sauce come together for a dish that feels indulgent yet effortless.
Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a comforting bowl of pasta with a kick, this recipe delivers every time.
Creamy. Spicy. Satisfying. And ready in half an hour.