Name: 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; ½ medium red bell pepper, stemmed, seeds removed, and thinly sliced; ½ medium yellow bell pepper, stemmed, seeds removed, and thinly sliced; 3 large garlic cloves, minced; 12 oz. gluten-free penne pasta; ½ cup (120 g) canned, diced fire-roasted tomatoes; 3 ½ cups (830 ml) chicken broth; 2 tablespoons no-salt or low-salt Cajun seasoning mix; 7 oz. cream cheese; Salt to taste; Fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped; Red pepper flakes

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 85 reviews

If you’re hunting for a meal that’s bursting with bold flavors and creamy goodness, you’re going to want to dive right into this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish balances spicy, smoky, and luscious creamy elements all in one easy pot. Trust me, once you try it, it might just become a regular in your weeknight dinner lineup!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Magic: This recipe keeps your cleanup minimal while maximizing flavor — less time scrubbing, more time enjoying.
Bold & Creamy Flavor: The Cajun spices and cream cheese combine to create a sauce that’s rich, yet perfectly spiced.
Hands-Off Simmering: After a quick sear and stir, the pasta cooks gently in a savory broth, soaking up every bit of flavor.
Family Favorite Status: I still remember the first time I made it — my family went absolutely crazy for this hearty, comforting pasta.

Two white plates with a brown rim each hold a creamy pasta dish made with penne. The pasta is mixed with several slices of browned sausage, thin strips of red and yellow bell peppers, and bits of cooked mushrooms. Fresh green parsley leaves are scattered on top along with a sprinkle of black pepper. Each plate has a fork with a wooden handle resting on the edge. There are two pink-tinted glasses with drinks near the plates, and a small white bowl with crushed red pepper flakes beside the top plate. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface with a beige and white cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta, Cajun sausage pasta, creamy pasta with Cajun spices, easy Cajun sausage dinner, one-pot Cajun pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together so well, each playing a role in the final dish’s flavor and texture. From smoky and spicy sausage to the creamy tang of cream cheese, I always recommend grabbing the freshest veggies you can find for the best results.

Flat lay of sliced andouille sausage medallions, thinly sliced fresh baby bella mushrooms, thin slices of red bell pepper, thin slices of yellow bell pepper, three whole garlic cloves, uncooked gluten-free penne pasta, small white bowl of diced fire-roasted tomatoes, small white bowl of chicken broth, small white bowl of Cajun seasoning mix, chunks of cream cheese, small bunch of fresh Italian parsley sprigs, small white bowl of red pepper flakes, all arranged symmetrically in simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta, Cajun sausage pasta, creamy pasta with Cajun spices, easy Cajun sausage dinner, one-pot Cajun pasta

Andouille sausage: This spicy sausage adds that signature Cajun kick and smoky flavor—perfect for elevating this pasta.
Baby bella mushrooms: They bring an earthy depth and meaty texture that pairs beautifully with sausage.
Red and yellow bell peppers: These add vibrant color and a subtle sweetness that balances the spice.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic always amps up the aroma and flavor, so don’t skimp here.
Gluten-free penne pasta: Using gluten-free keeps this recipe accessible for many, but regular penne works just as well.
Diced fire-roasted tomatoes: These provide a smoky tomato base that enriches the sauce without overwhelming it.
Chicken broth: It’s the cooking liquid that infuses flavor right into the pasta as it simmers.
Cajun seasoning mix: Use a low-sodium or no-salt mix so you can control the salt levels better.
Cream cheese: This is the secret to that irresistibly creamy, velvety sauce that clings to every bite.
Salt: To taste, enhancing all the flavors without overpowering them.
Fresh Italian parsley (optional): Adds freshness and a pretty finishing touch.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Perfect for when you want to dial up the heat just a notch.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe is. You can personalize it in so many ways depending on what you have on hand or what your family prefers. Here are some of my favorite tweaks after making this dish dozens of times.

Swap the sausage: I’ve tried spicy chorizo or even a smoky applewood chicken sausage when I wanted a different flavor profile, and it works beautifully.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the sausage and add more mushrooms or smoked tofu for that hearty texture.
Add extra heat: If you like it fiery, toss in some cayenne pepper or a finely chopped jalapeño when sautéing the veggies.
Dairy-free version: Cream cheese substitutes like cashew cream or coconut milk-based creamers can replicate the creaminess if you’re dairy-free.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Andouille Sausage

Heat a large skillet or braiser over medium heat, then add the sliced sausage. Let those medallions crisp up for about 2 minutes on each side. I discovered that getting a bit of a crust on them locks in flavor and adds amazing texture. Don’t drain the pan afterward — that flavorful oil is gold for sautéing the veggies next.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms, Peppers, and Garlic

In the same skillet, toss in your mushrooms, red and yellow peppers, and minced garlic. Cook everything together for about 3 minutes until the mushrooms just start to brown. This step builds a nice flavor base, so resist the urge to rush it.

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

Next, add the penne pasta, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning. Give it a good stir so all those ingredients mingle well. Then cover it with a lid and bring the broth up to a boil. This is where the magic happens—your pasta absorbs those rich flavors while cooking right in the same pot.

Step 4: Simmer Pasta Until Al Dente

Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it gently simmer, uncovered, for 12-15 minutes. I like to stir every couple of minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking. You’ll find your pasta tender with just the right bite—perfect al dente!

Step 5: Melt in the Cream Cheese

Turn off the heat, then add the cream cheese in chunks. Stir it in until everything is silky smooth and creamy. This step will thicken the sauce and bring that luscious, comforting richness that everyone loves.

Step 6: Return Sausage, Season & Serve

Pop the sausage back into the skillet, season with salt to taste, and give everything a big stir. I always finish mine with freshly chopped Italian parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and extra zing. Then, dig in!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Don’t Drain the Sausage Oil: That flavorful fat is perfect for sautéing the veggies and adds depth to the dish, so resist wiping it away.
Stir Often but Gently: Stirring every few minutes prevents sticking and ensures the pasta finishes in an even sauce without breaking down.
Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This helps it melt smoothly and blend into that silky sauce with no lumps.
Season at the End: Since your broth and sausage already add salt, taste before salting more to avoid oversalting.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

A bowl with a brown rim holds a creamy pasta dish made of penne pasta coated with an orange sauce. The dish has three main layers: the pasta on the bottom, browned sausage slices with a dark crust scattered throughout the pasta, and thin strips of red and yellow bell peppers placed on top. There are also small green herb pieces sprinkled over the dish, adding a fresh color contrast. A silver fork with a wooden handle sits on the left side of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with some green herb pieces nearby, and a small white bowl with red chili flakes is partially visible in the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta, Cajun sausage pasta, creamy pasta with Cajun spices, easy Cajun sausage dinner, one-pot Cajun pasta

Garnishes

I personally love topping mine with freshly chopped Italian parsley—it brings a little freshness that brightens the whole dish. And if you’re like me and crave some heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes is always welcome. Sometimes, I even add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to cut through the richness, which is surprisingly delightful!

Side Dishes

This pasta is so hearty on its own, but I like pairing it with a simple green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread for scooping up every last bit of sauce. Roasted veggies, like asparagus or green beans tossed in olive oil and garlic, also make great companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this in shallow bowls topped with extra parsley and a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. Adding a few crispy fried shallots or thinly sliced scallions on top adds a fantastic crunch. Trust me, little presentation touches like these make it feel like a gourmet meal without any extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I’ve found that the flavors actually deepen overnight, so sometimes it tastes even better the next day. Just be sure to give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

Freezing is totally doable, though I prefer eating it fresh when possible. If you freeze leftovers, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers and use within 2 months. To prevent the cream cheese sauce from separating too much, thaw it slowly in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.

Reheating

When reheating, I recommend warming it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwave works in a pinch, but gently stirring every 30 seconds keeps the cream sauce creamy and prevents it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage in this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While andouille sausage brings authentic Cajun flavor, you can swap it for kielbasa, chorizo, or even chicken sausage. Just choose one with a smoky or spicy profile for the best flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Using gluten-free penne ensures the whole dish remains gluten-free. Just double-check your Cajun seasoning and broth labels to avoid hidden gluten.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can. Swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free cream alternative like cashew cream or a coconut milk-based creamer to keep that luscious, creamy texture.
How spicy is this pasta?

The heat level depends largely on your Cajun seasoning brand, but it generally has a nice kick without overwhelming the dish. You can always adjust by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne if you want more spice.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the sausage and veggies ahead, but I recommend cooking the pasta and combining everything just before serving for best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe has become a go-to for me whenever I want a meal that feels special but comes together quickly. The blend of spice, creaminess, and that satisfying sausage bite keeps everyone asking for seconds. I hope you love making it as much as I do — it’s the kind of dish you feel great about feeding your loved ones after a busy day. Give it a try, and I bet you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again!