Do Share Recipe

Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe | Creamy, Spicy, and Comforting

I have to tell you, making this Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe was an absolute game-changer for my weeknight dinners. The creamy sauce, the kick of Cajun spices, and the savory sausage all come together in one pot for a meal that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to make. I love how the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil add brightness to the dish.

Every bite has just the right amount of spice, creaminess, and hearty pasta goodness. Let me walk you through how to make this flavorful comfort food at home! If you enjoy flavorful meat-based dishes, you might also like the Steak Tacos with Chimichurri Recipe for another bold and savory option.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this one-pot Cajun sausage pasta come to life. I’ve included some tips for choosing the best ingredients.

1/2 tablespoon olive oil – adds flavor and prevents sticking; I prefer extra-virgin for the best aroma.
1 pound pork sausage (ideally smoked) sliced – Andouille or smoked sausage works beautifully for that authentic Cajun taste.
5 ounces white mushrooms sliced – fresh mushrooms give a better texture; avoid frozen ones as they release too much water.
4 cloves garlic minced – fresh garlic is essential; it gives a fragrant kick that garlic powder can’t match.
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard – balances the creaminess with a subtle tang.
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes julienned – opt for oil-packed tomatoes for richer flavor, but drain the oil before adding.
1/2 red bell pepper chopped – adds sweetness and vibrant color.
2 cups chicken broth – use low-sodium if you want to control saltiness.
2 cups half-and-half – keeps the sauce creamy without being overly rich; heavy cream is an alternative if you want extra indulgence.
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning – store-bought works well, but homemade blends of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano taste fantastic too.
3 cups uncooked penne – penne absorbs the sauce nicely; stick to recommended pasta shapes.
8 leaves fresh basil thinly sliced – adds freshness; sprinkle at the end for best flavor.
Salt & pepper to taste – season gradually and adjust at the end.
Freshly grated parmesan cheese to taste – always grate fresh for optimal flavor and texture.

Note: Serves 4-6

Variations

You can tweak this recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs:

For dairy-free, swap half-and-half with coconut milk or almond milk cream.
For a spicier kick, add extra cayenne or red pepper flakes.
For a low-carb version, use zucchini noodles or cauliflower pasta.
Swap penne with fusilli or rigatoni for a slightly different texture.
Add a handful of spinach or kale toward the end for extra greens.
If you’re exploring more quick and easy skillet meals, the Easy Steak Fajitas Recipe is another simple and satisfying option.

Cooking Time

Here’s a quick overview of how long this recipe takes:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Equipment You Need

You don’t need fancy tools, just these basics:

Large soup pot or deep skillet – to cook the pasta and sauce all in one pot.
Wooden spoon – for stirring and ensuring pasta doesn’t stick.
Knife and cutting board – to prep sausage, vegetables, and herbs.
Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate seasoning and liquid quantities.
Grater – for freshly grated parmesan cheese.

How to Make Cajun Sausage Pasta

This recipe comes together easily in one pot. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide.

Brown the Sausage

Start by heating the olive oil over medium-high heat and adding your sliced sausage. Cook for about 5 minutes until browned. If your sausage is very fatty, drain excess grease to keep the sauce from becoming oily.

Sauté Vegetables

Add mushrooms and sauté for another 3 minutes. Then stir in garlic, Dijon mustard, sun-dried tomatoes, and red bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.

Cook Pasta in Sauce

Pour in chicken broth, half-and-half, and Cajun seasoning, then add the uncooked penne. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium or medium-low. Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Finish and Serve

Stir in sliced basil, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle freshly grated parmesan on top. Serve immediately while warm for the creamiest experience.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

From my experience, small tweaks make a big difference:

I like to use a smoked sausage whenever possible; it adds incredible depth to the sauce.
Stir the pasta frequently to prevent sticking and to help the sauce coat each piece evenly.
Taste and adjust seasoning at the end; sometimes a pinch of extra Cajun seasoning elevates the dish.
Letting the pasta rest for a few minutes off the heat allows the sauce to thicken slightly for a richer texture.

How to Serve Cajun Sausage Pasta

Presentation is key for making a weeknight meal feel special:

Serve in wide bowls to showcase the creamy sauce.
Garnish with extra fresh basil and a sprinkle of parmesan for color contrast.
Pair with garlic bread or a light side salad for a balanced meal.
A drizzle of olive oil on top can enhance the visual appeal and flavor.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick snapshot of the main nutritional elements in one serving:

Calories: Approximately 550-600
Protein: 28 grams
Carbohydrates: 45 grams
Fat: 28 grams

These values can vary depending on sausage and dairy choices.

Make Ahead and Storage

Planning ahead? Here’s what works best:

Storing: Refrigerate leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dish freezes well; portion into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cajun sausage pasta has so much going for it. Here’s why it’s a keeper:

Quick and easy: I love that it comes together in just 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor-packed: The blend of Cajun seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, and sausage creates layers of bold taste.
One-pot convenience: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy the meal.
Customizable: You can adjust spice, creaminess, or even protein type to suit your preferences.
Family-friendly: Creamy pasta with sausage tends to be a hit with both kids and adults.

This creamy Cajun sausage pasta is a perfect balance of comfort, spice, and ease. Every bite feels rich and satisfying, yet it’s simple enough for any weeknight dinner. I love making this when I need a flavorful, filling meal without the fuss. Try it tonight—you’ll understand why it’s a recipe I return to again and again!

Ben Carraoli