This Cajun Sausage Pasta is a bold, creamy, and comforting one-pot dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes. With smoky sausage, colorful veggies, Cajun spices, and a cheesy cream sauce, every bite is packed with flavor. It’s weeknight-friendly, family-approved, and perfect for when you want something hearty without a lot of dishes.
10 oz smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa), sliced into thin rounds
4 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup bell peppers, diced (mixed colors)
½ cup onion, diced
2 cups chicken broth (add more if needed)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Prep Ingredients: Slice sausage, chop bell peppers and onions, and measure out spices, cream, and cheese.
Cook Sausage & Veggies:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
Brown sausage slices until slightly crisp, then remove and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté onions and bell peppers until softened.
Create the Base:
Stir in Cajun seasoning and garlic powder.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
Cook Pasta:
Add uncooked pasta directly into the broth mixture.
Stir occasionally and cook until pasta is al dente (add extra broth if liquid reduces too quickly).
Make It Creamy:
Reduce heat, then stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
Return the sausage to the pot, mix in spinach (if using), and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Serve & Garnish:
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Cajun spice.
Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Adjust the spice: Start with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning and add more to taste. For extra heat, use cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Pasta type: Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini works best. Whole wheat or protein pasta can make it more nutritious.
Thicker sauce: Let the dish sit for 2–3 minutes off the heat before serving—it thickens as it cools slightly.
Veggie boost: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or even cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrients.