If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful meal that’s both comforting and a little bit spicy, you’ve got to try my Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate — rich, creamy, and packed with bold Cajun flavors that come together in one pot. Whether you’re whipping it up on a weeknight or serving friends for dinner, this recipe always hits the spot. Stick around because I’m sharing all my best tips to make this pasta a family favorite!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Wonder: You cook everything in just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
Bold and Creamy: The creamy sauce with Cajun spice packs flavor without being overwhelming.
Quick and Satisfying: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
Flexible Ingredients: Easy to swap veggies or sausage based on what you have on hand.

Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe plays a key role — from the smoky sausage to the fire-roasted tomatoes that give just the right amount of tang. Here’s a little insight on the good stuff you’ll want to grab before cooking.

Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe - Ingredients

Andouille sausage: This smoked sausage packs the authentic Cajun flavor that’s the star of the dish.
Baby bella mushrooms: They add earthiness and a tender bite that balances the spicy sausage perfectly.
Red and yellow bell peppers: They bring sweetness and a pop of color, plus vitamins!
Garlic: A must-have for that irresistible depth of flavor.
Gluten-free penne pasta: You can swap for your favorite shape; just cook until al dente for texture.
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: These add subtle smoky sweetness that complements the Cajun spices.
Chicken broth: This is the liquid base that helps cook the pasta and infuse flavor.
Cajun seasoning: Choose no-salt or low-salt for control over seasoning—you can always add salt later.
Cream cheese: This creates the luscious sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.
Italian parsley: Fresh herbs brighten everything up at the end.
Red pepper flakes: Optional, but I love the extra kick they provide.

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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 that this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe is super versatile, so you can easily tweak it to your tastes or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to switch up ingredients or add your own spin.

Vegetarian version: I’ve swapped andouille sausage for spicy smoked tofu or plant-based sausage, and it still tastes amazing.
Extra veg: Sometimes I throw in spinach or kale for a pop of green and extra nutrients without changing the flavor much.
Milder spice: If you’re sensitive to heat, cut the Cajun seasoning in half and skip the red pepper flakes.
Different pasta: I’ve made this with whole wheat, chickpea pasta, or even rice noodles — just adjust cooking time accordingly.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Sausage for Maximum Flavor

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding those sliced andouille sausage medallions. Cook them until they’re slightly crisped on both sides, about 4 minutes total. Trust me, those browned bits are flavor gold! Once done, remove the sausage and set it aside on a paper towel to catch excess grease, but keep all that tasty sausage oil in the pan — it’s pure magic for the next step.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet with the sausage oil, toss in your sliced mushrooms, red and yellow peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3 minutes — just enough so the mushrooms start to brown and the peppers soften a bit. This quick cooking preserves their texture while soaking up the sausage flavor left behind.

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

Next up, add the uncooked gluten-free penne pasta, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning to your skillet. Give everything a good stir so the ingredients mix evenly. Then, slap a lid on the pan and crank the heat just until the broth comes to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer Until Pasta Is Perfectly Tender

Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the pasta simmer for about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir every couple of minutes to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom and ensure even cooking. You’re aiming for al dente—tender but with a slight bite. This step is key because overcooked pasta will be mushy once we add the cream cheese.

Step 5: Stir in Cream Cheese for That Ultimate Creaminess

Once your pasta is cooked, add chunks of cream cheese right into the skillet. Stir vigorously until the cream cheese melts fully and blends smoothly with the broth, creating that irresistibly creamy sauce that coats every bite. This step turns your pasta from good to magnificent!

Step 6: Finish with Sausage, Season, and Serve

Finally, fold the sausage back into the creamy pasta, sprinkle salt to taste, and give it one last big stir. If you’re anything like me, a handful of fresh chopped Italian parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes are a non-negotiable finishing touch—they add freshness and a little heat pop. Then, dig in and enjoy!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Keep the Sausage Oil: Don’t drain the pan after cooking sausage — that oil is packed with flavor and gives your veggies and sauce a tasty base.
Use No-Salt Cajun Seasoning: This lets you control the saltiness perfectly and avoid over-salting later.
Stir Frequently While Simmering: Prevents pasta from sticking and ensures everything cooks evenly.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente texture holds up best once the cream cheese sauce is folded in.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I always top this pasta with freshly chopped Italian parsley because it adds a lovely burst of color and a fresh, herbal note that cuts through the richness. Red pepper flakes are my go-to for a little extra heat, but if you like it milder, just leave those off or sprinkle on a little smoked paprika for smoky flavor.

Side Dishes

This recipe is hearty enough to stand alone, but I love pairing it with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some roasted garlic bread to scoop up any leftover creamy sauce. Steamed green beans or a crisp coleslaw also work beautifully to add a light crunch and balance the rich pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party twist, I’ve served this pasta in small individual cast iron skillets. It keeps everything warm and presents beautifully. Alternatively, topping the pasta with a sunny-side-up egg or some grated sharp cheddar just before serving is a special touch my family goes crazy for!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When storing, make sure to cool the pasta slightly before refrigerating to avoid sogginess. I find the flavors even deepen overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.

Freezing

I usually don’t freeze creamy pasta dishes because cream cheese can separate after thawing, but if you want to freeze, try freezing the pasta and sausage separately from the sauce for best results. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.

Reheating

The best way to reheat Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce and stir gently until warmed through. This helps prevent the sauce from breaking and keeps it creamy. Microwave works in a pinch—just go slow and stir often!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! While andouille sausage gives that smoky Cajun flavor, you can substitute with kielbasa, chorizo, or any spicy smoked sausage you like. Just adjust the seasoning slightly to balance the flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes! Using gluten-free penne pasta makes this dish gluten-free. Just be sure your Cajun seasoning and chicken broth are also gluten-free, as some brands add fillers.
Can I make this recipe vegan?

With a few swaps, yes! Use plant-based sausage alternatives and substitute cream cheese for a vegan version (like cashew cream or vegan cream cheese). Vegetable broth replaces chicken broth for a fully vegan dish.
How spicy is this pasta?

Moderately spicy thanks to the Cajun seasoning and optional red pepper flakes. You can adjust the heat by using less seasoning or skipping the flakes if you prefer milder dishes.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s quick, bold, and utterly satisfying every single time. The blend of smoky sausage, tender pasta, and creamy spicy sauce always gets a standing ovation from friends and family alike. I can’t recommend it enough if you want to impress without stressing in the kitchen. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat, like I do!