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This one pot creamy Cajun sausage pasta is made with spicy andouille sausage, fresh veggies and a spicy, creamy sauce all made in under 30 minutes for the perfect quick and easy weeknight meal!
Guuuuuuys....this rich and creamy Cajun pasta with sausage is my new favorite (but this Cajun shrimp and sausage pasta is a close rival). Well, it's not really new, I've been making it for years, but I've revived it and you are going to want to make this recipe.
You are going to love this recipe - it's one of our favorite pastas! This one pot Cajun pasta is deliciously creamy and flavorful, packed with the perfect amount of spice to make this creamy pasta perfection.
Spicy Andouille sausage, green peppers, onions and tomatoes, and a wonderfully spicy and rich cream sauce all over a bed of pasta. Plus, this pasta dish only takes 30 minutes to make!
And if you like this, guys, for sure you will love this spicy chicken pasta and this chicken cordon bleu pasta!
Jump to:
Why this Cajun pasta recipe works
- The andouille sausage adds a spicy, smoky quality to the sausage Cajun alfredo pasta.
- The creamy sauce has the perfect amount of spice to complement the richness. It is ultra delicious and comforting!
- It only takes 30 minutes to make, so it's the perfect quick and easy weeknight meal.
- It's all made in one pot, reducing the amount of cleanup required.
- This creamy Cajun sausage pasta recipe is versatile and can be eaten as a side dish or a main dish served with this air fryer fresh okra.
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The ingredients
The full list of ingredients and amounts is included in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
We use penne rigata for this recipe, but you can honestly use any type of pasta, like rotini or bowties, you like here.
Onion, bell peppers and diced tomatoes help to create the base for this recipe, along with some heavy whipping cream to make the sauce deliciously creamy. I do not recommend using milk or half and half as the sauce won't be as creamy.
What is andouille sausage?
Andouille sausage is a pork sausage, typically mixed with spicy peppers and seasonings used commonly in many Cajun dishes. Due to it's strong flavor, it is used to add flavor in a lot of cases. And boy does it add flavor!
What is Creole seasoning?
Creole seasoning is typically a mix of garlic, onion, season salt, oregano, cayenne, paprika and salt. If you want to learn how to make your own Cajun seasoning (making your own is always better) try this Creole seasoning recipe.
Variations and substitutions
- If you want to add a seafood component to this dish, add some fresh shrimp during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- You can also add chicken if you'd like additional protein. I recommend dicing up chicken thighs and browning them with the sausage.
- Use any smoked sausage or kielbasa in place of the andouille sausage if needed.
- Mix in some of these fire roasted tomatoes to the pasta sauce.
- For less spice, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning used. For more spice, add additional cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeno.
- Top it with some grated Parmesan cheese for an extra umami flavor.
- To make it ultra creamy and tangy, melt in 1-2 tablespoons of cream cheese.
Step by step instructions
- Cook the penne to al dente according to the instructions on the box.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the sausage until caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the onion and green pepper and stir fry for about 5 minutes or until vegetables are soft.
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine.
- Cook until the wine is absorbed then add the tomatoes and chicken broth and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the Cajun seasoning.
- Reduce heat to medium or medium-low and add the heavy cream, cover and simmer until reduced for about 10-15 minutes (depending on desired thickness).
- Add the penne pasta and cook for 2-3 minutes, until pasta is tender and cooked through and sauce has thickened. Remove from heat and serve.
Now, try not to spoon it right out of the pan. I had to fight the boyfriend off to even get these photos. It's that good.
Expert tips to make creamy Cajun sausage pasta
- For less spice, add less Cajun seasoning. If you add less Cajun seasoning, you may need to add additional salt to taste.
- Browning the sausage first helps to add a rich flavor to the dish. You can skip this step if you're in a hurry, but I highly recommend doing it for the best flavor.
- Cook the pasta al dente (not fully cooked) - it will finish cooking in the sauce. I recommend taking about 2 minutes off the package cook time.
- If the sauce is too thick, add additional cream or chicken stock until it reaches a desired consistency.
Serving options
- Start with this blackened shrimp salad and/or this creamy crawfish bisque
- Crispy cajun chicken wings or crawfish eggrolls are also a great appetizer
- Serve it with air fryer garlic bread on the side
Frequently asked questions
The terms Cajun sausage and Andouille sausage are used interchangeably. Andouille sausage is a sausage that actually originated in France, and has since become a staple of Cajun cuisine. It is made with ground pork and spices and then smoked to get a smoky, spicy flavor.
It should last in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30 second intervals until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
If the pasta is dry, add additional broth or cream until it reaches the desired consistency.
While it can be frozen, I don't recommend it. The consistency can become very mushy and the sauce lumpy. If you still want to freeze it, store it in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the microwave.
More Cajun recipes
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Recipe
Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 ounces andouille sausage cut in bite size pieces
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 3 tablespoons white wine
- 1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 12 ounces Penne rigata cooked according to package instructions
- 1-2 teaspoons Cajun/Creole Seasoning
Instructions
- Cook the penne according to the instructions on the box. Pasta should be cooked al dente. Set aside.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the sausage until caramelized on the outside.
- Add the onion and green pepper and cook for about 5 minutes or until vegetables are soft.
- Add the white wine and stir to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Cook until the wine is absorbed then add the tomatoes and chicken broth and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the Cajun seasoning and black pepper.
- Add the cream, cover, and simmer until reduced, about 10-15 minutes.
- Add the pasta and cook for 2-3 minutes, until sauce is thickened and pasta is cooked through.
Expert Tips:
- For less spice, add less Cajun seasoning. If you add less Cajun seasoning, you may need to add additional salt to taste.
- Browning the sausage first helps to add a rich flavor to the dish. You can skip this step if you're in a hurry, but I highly recommend doing it for the best flavor.
- Cook the pasta al dente (not fully cooked) - it will finish cooking in the sauce. I recommend taking about 2 minutes off the package cook time.
- If the sauce is too thick, add additional cream or chicken stock until it reaches a desired consistency.
Nutrition
Anne K
Did you really mean to say that the penne will cook in 2 - 3 minutes? This looks incredibly yummy and I'm absolutely going to make it, but that cannot be right???
Danielle
I apologize, I updated the recipe to say the penne should be cooked according to the package instructions first. When you add the cooked penne to the sauce, that is when you are cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes. The recipe should be clearer now!
Heidy L. McCallum
Glad you added the tips to this wonderful Cajun Inspired Pasta we could all use them! Trust me I love when someone takes the time to share their tips and tricks as it makes the recipe much easier to follow.
Danielle
Thanks Heidy!
Sylvie
Pasta is my favourite mid-week dish and the fact that this recipe is all made in one pot - it makes it even better for a quick yet delicious meal!
Danielle
Thanks Sylvia!
Demeter
This one pot meal is fully loaded!! So much goodness and perfect for Fall.
Danielle
Thanks Demeter!
Julia
This sounds delicious. Can't wait to give it a go!
Danielle
Thanks Julia!