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; 1/2 medium red bell pepper, stemmed, seeds removed, and thinly sliced; 1/2 medium yellow bell pepper, stemmed, seeds removed, and thinly sliced; 3 large garlic cloves, minced; 12 oz. gluten-free penne pasta; 1/2 cup canned, diced fire-roasted tomatoes; 3 1/2 cups chicken broth; 2 tablespoons no-salt or low-salt Cajun seasoning mix; 7 oz. cream cheese; Salt, to taste; Fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped (optional); Red pepper flakes (optional)

There’s something irresistibly satisfying about a rich, cheesy pasta that’s packed with bold flavors. This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe is exactly that – a cozy, one-pot dish that brings that wonderful Cajun spice kick with tender sausage and a luscious cream sauce. I make this whenever I want a fuss-free, soul-warming meal that feels a little special.

A white plate with a brown rim holds a creamy pasta dish with three main layers. The bottom layer is penne pasta in a light orange creamy sauce. The middle layer has slices of browned sausage, mushrooms, and thin red bell pepper strips. The top layer is sprinkled with chopped green parsley and black pepper flakes, adding a fresh touch. A silver fork with a wooden handle rests on the left side of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with scattered parsley pieces and a small white bowl of red pepper flakes nearby photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe hits all the right notes for anyone who loves comfort food with a spicy twist. Over the years, I’ve found it’s perfect for those busy weeknights because everything cooks in one pan, and cleanup is a breeze. Plus, the combination of creamy sauce and Cajun spice is incredibly addictive!

One-Pot Convenience: Less mess, less stress, and full flavor all in one skillet.
Bold Cajun Flavor: The Cajun seasoning brings smoky, spicy warmth without overpowering the creaminess.
Customizable Creaminess: You can adjust the cream cheese to get just the right texture you want.
Hearty & Satisfying: The andouille sausage adds protein and a smoky bite that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this dish has a role, bringing together flavor, texture, and that gorgeous creamy sauce. The andouille sausage offers a peppery, smoky punch, while the fire-roasted tomatoes add depth and a hint of charred sweetness. Fresh vegetables add freshness and balance. Here’s a quick look at what goes in:

Flat lay of fresh sliced andouille sausage medallions, thinly sliced fresh baby bella mushrooms, half a medium red bell pepper sliced, half a medium yellow bell pepper sliced, three large whole garlic cloves with clean shells, uncooked gluten-free penne pasta, a small white ceramic bowl of diced fire-roasted tomatoes, a small white ceramic bowl of chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy chunks of cream cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of Cajun seasoning mix, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt, a small white ceramic bowl of finely chopped fresh Italian parsley, and a small white ceramic bowl of red pepper flakes, all arranged with perfect symmetry 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

Andouille sausage: Spicy, smoky sausage that provides the star protein and a Cajun punch.
Baby bella mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, they add texture and absorb the sauce beautifully.
Red and yellow bell peppers: Bring sweetness and color, balancing the spice with freshness.
Garlic cloves: Essential for depth and aroma – don’t skimp here!
Gluten-free penne pasta: Holds up well during simmering and soaks up all those delicious flavors.
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Adds smoky sweetness complementing the sausage.
Chicken broth: The cooking liquid that infuses the pasta with flavor.
Cajun seasoning: Your ticket to classic Cajun flavor; adjust according to heat preference.
Cream cheese: Creates the rich, velvety sauce that coats every bite.
Salt and optional parsley + red pepper flakes: The final touches for seasoning and freshness or extra heat.

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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.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to tweak for your own tastes. I often swap out veggies based on seasonal finds, or dial up the heat if I’m feeling bold. You should definitely make it your own – that’s half the fun in cooking!

Vegetable Variation: I like adding some chopped spinach or kale towards the end for extra greens without changing the flavor too much.
Protein Swap: Sometimes I switch the sausage for spicy chorizo or even chicken sausage if I want a different spin.
Heat Level: Want it milder? Cut the Cajun seasoning in half. Prefer it fiery? Toss in extra red pepper flakes.
Make it Dairy-Free: Use a creamy coconut milk-based cheese alternative and it still turns out great!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Two white plates with brown rim hold creamy pasta dishes made of three layers: the base layer has light tan penne pasta covered in a smooth, creamy orange sauce, the middle layer shows brown round sausage slices and beige mushroom slices, and the top layer features thin red bell pepper strips and small green parsley leaves scattered for garnish. Each plate is paired with a fork with a silver head and wooden handle on the left side. The plates rest on a white marbled surface with a light gray cloth napkin beside one plate. There are two light pink transparent glasses with a drink on the top left and right sides and a small white bowl with red pepper flakes near the upper right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sear the sausage until golden and crisp

Start by slicing those andouille sausages into medallions. Heat a large skillet or braiser over medium heat and add the sausage pieces. Let them cook without moving for about 2 minutes per side until they develop a nice crisp edge and release their flavorful oils. This step is crucial for building the base flavor. Once done, scoop them out onto a paper towel-lined plate but don’t throw away that pan drippings – they’ll add magic to your veggies.

Step 2: Sauté mushrooms, peppers, and garlic

In the same skillet with the sausage oils, toss in the sliced mushrooms, red and yellow peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for about 3 minutes until the mushrooms start to brown and the peppers soften just a bit. This builds a sweet and savory layer that melds perfectly with the sausage.

Step 3: Add pasta, liquids, and seasoning

Now, pour in your gluten-free penne, canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning. Give everything a good stir so the pasta evenly covers and the seasoning is well distributed. Cover the skillet with a lid and bring it all to a boil; this starts cooking your pasta right in the sauce and broth.

Step 4: Simmer pasta until al dente

Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and let the pasta gently simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes. This prevents sticking and ensures the pasta cooks evenly. Keep an eye on it – you want tender, al dente noodles that soak up all the flavor without turning mushy.

Step 5: Stir in cream cheese for that luscious sauce

Add chunks of cream cheese directly into the skillet. Stir constantly until it’s fully melted and the sauce thickens into that creamy, dreamy texture you’re after. This step transforms the dish from a simple pasta into a rich, comforting meal.

Step 6: Bring it all together and serve

Return the golden sausage slices to the skillet, toss everything together, and taste to add salt if needed. I like to sprinkle finely chopped fresh Italian parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes on top before serving to add freshness and a little extra zing. Then, dig in!

Top Tip

From my kitchen to yours, here are some nuggets of wisdom I’ve picked up while mastering this creamy Cajun sausage pasta recipe. These little adjustments make all the difference in getting that perfect balance of creamy goodness and bold spice every time.

Don’t Rush the Sear: Taking the time to brown the sausage well gives you those rich, caramelized flavors that make the dish stand out.
Stir Often, but Gently: When simmering the pasta, stir every couple of minutes to prevent sticking, but don’t over-stir or break the noodles.
Cream Cheese Magic: Add cream cheese in small chunks and stir well – it melts more evenly and creates a silky sauce without lumps.
Adjust Spice Gradually: Cajun seasoning varies by brand, so start with less and add more later if you want extra heat to avoid overpowering the dish.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top mine with finely chopped fresh Italian parsley—it adds a pop of vibrant green and fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. If I want to kick it up a notch, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes is my go-to. A little grated Parmesan cheese on top never hurts either for extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I love serving this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls work beautifully too, perfect for mopping up every last bit of the creamy, spicy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to spoon the pasta into shallow bowls and garnish with extra parsley, a drizzle of good olive oil, and a wedge of lemon on the side. It brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise, making it feel restaurant-worthy with very little effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, which I love. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to maintain texture and freshness.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish successfully by letting it cool fully, then portioning into freezer-safe containers. When frozen, it keeps well for about 2 months. To avoid separation, I sometimes leave out the cream cheese, adding it fresh when reheating.

Reheating

When reheating, I warm leftovers gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Stirring frequently brings back the creamy texture without overheating the sausage or pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe?

Definitely! While andouille sausage gives that classic Cajun flavor, you can substitute with kielbasa, chorizo, or even chicken sausage. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and consider how the flavor profile might change.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Cajun seasoning doesn’t contain gluten, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and delicious for those avoiding gluten.

Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Absolutely. Simply reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or omit the red pepper flakes. You can also use a milder sausage to tone down the heat while keeping the flavor intact.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together during cooking?

Stir every couple of minutes while the pasta is simmering in the broth to prevent sticking. Also, using a large enough skillet and enough liquid helps the pasta cook evenly without clumping.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe is a cherished go-to in my kitchen, especially when I want comfort food with a bit of sizzle without spending hours at the stove. It’s a perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and savory that’s easy to make and sure to impress anyone you serve it to. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this as much as I do – once you try it, it just might become your own new favorite too!