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 about rich, smoky flavors wrapped up in a velvety sauce that just hits the spot—and that’s why this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s quick, flavorful, and feels like a warm hug at the end of a busy day.

A white plate with a brown rim holds a creamy pasta dish with three main layers. The bottom layer is penne pasta coated in a smooth, light orange sauce. The middle layer has round slices of browned sausage and thin strips of red and yellow bell peppers scattered throughout. The top layer is a garnish of chopped green herbs sprinkled over everything, with bits of black pepper and chili flakes visible. On the left side of the plate, a silver fork with a wooden handle rests on the rim. The plate sits on a white marbled textured surface with some scattered green herbs around it. A small white bowl filled with red chili flakes is partially visible on the lower right. 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 Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe is a total winner because it brings bold Cajun spices and tender sausage into a luscious creamy sauce—all cooked in just one pot. I love how it’s fuss-free but delivers on layers of flavor every time.

One-Pot Wonder: No mess, no fuss—everything cooks in the same skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
Flavor Punch: The Cajun seasoning adds just the right kick without overwhelming the creamy texture.
Versatile Ingredients: Easy to swap veggies or sausage types to suit your taste or pantry stock.
Quick to Make: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe plays a special role in building those deep, comforting flavors. From the smoky and spicy andouille sausage to the creamy richness of cream cheese, every bite is perfectly balanced. When shopping, look for fresh bell peppers and mushrooms—they really brighten the texture and taste.

Flat lay of sliced andouille sausage medallions, fresh baby bella mushrooms thinly sliced, half a red bell pepper sliced, half a yellow bell pepper sliced, three large whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white bowl of gluten-free penne pasta, a small white bowl of diced fire-roasted tomatoes, a small white bowl of chicken broth, a small white bowl with creamy chunks of cream cheese, a small white bowl of Cajun seasoning mix, a small bunch of fresh Italian parsley sprigs, and a small white bowl of red pepper flakes all arranged in perfect symmetry, placed 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: Its smoky, spicy profile is the backbone of this dish—don’t skip on quality links for maximum flavor.
Baby bella mushrooms: They add subtle earthiness and a meaty texture that pairs beautifully with the sausage.
Red and yellow bell peppers: These bring sweetness and vibrant color, balancing the spice.
Garlic: Adds that essential aromatic warmth—fresh minced garlic is key here.
Gluten-free penne pasta: Holds the sauce wonderfully; feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Give a little smoky depth and a hint of acidity to brighten up the creamy sauce.
Chicken broth: The cooking liquid that softens the pasta while infusing all the spices and sausage flavors.
Cajun seasoning: This is your flavor secret—adjust to taste for mild or spicy heat.
Cream cheese: Creates that rich, velvety texture that ties everything together.
Salt, parsley, red pepper flakes (optional): Finishing touches for seasoning, brightness, and extra heat if you want.

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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

I love tweaking this recipe depending on what I have on hand or the mood I’m in. It’s super forgiving, so you can make it spicier, swap the sausage for chicken, or add extra veggies—you’ll end up with a winner every time.

Variation: Sometimes, I swap out the andouille for spicy chicken sausage when I want a lighter protein but with that Cajun flavor. It works beautifully and keeps it fresh.
Dairy-Free Option: You can try replacing cream cheese with a coconut cream for a dairy-free twist, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Vegetable Boost: Adding a handful of fresh spinach or kale near the end cooks down quickly and adds color and nutrients.
Heat Level: Adjust the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to taste—if you like it really spicy, don’t hold back!

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

Two white plates with brown rims hold creamy penne pasta mixed with browned sausage slices, light beige mushrooms, and thin strips of red and orange bell peppers. The pasta is coated in a smooth, light orange sauce sprinkled with chopped green herbs. Each plate has a silver fork with a wooden handle placed to the side. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with scattered herbs, a small white bowl of red pepper flakes, two clear glasses with a light pink drink, and a folded beige cloth with black stripes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sear the Sausage for Maximum Flavor

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding the sliced andouille sausage. I like to let it sear undisturbed for a couple of minutes on each side until it crisps up—you want those golden edges for extra texture. Once done, remove the sausage and set it on paper towels to drain. Don’t toss out the flavorful sausage oil left in the pan, that’s your flavor goldmine!

Step 2: Cook the Veggies in the Sausage Oil

Next, add the sliced mushrooms, red and yellow bell peppers, and minced garlic straight into the same skillet with the sausage oil. Sauté for around 3 minutes, just until the mushrooms start to brown and the peppers soften slightly. This step builds flavor, so don’t rush it.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Liquids, Then Boil

Now pour in your gluten-free penne pasta, fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning. Give it a good stir to evenly coat everything, then cover with a lid and bring it to a boil. This is the fun part where the pasta soaks up all those bold flavors.

Step 4: Simmer until the Pasta is Perfect

Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the pasta simmer for about 12-15 minutes. Make sure to stir every few minutes so the pasta doesn’t stick and cooks evenly. The goal is a tender, al dente bite that still holds its shape.

Step 5: Stir in the Cream Cheese for Ultimate Creaminess

Remove the lid and add the cream cheese in chunks. Stir continuously until it melts completely, turning your mixture into a luscious, creamy sauce. This is what makes the dish feel indulgent without a ton of fuss.

Step 6: Bring Back the Sausage and Finish

Return the sausage medallions back to the skillet and stir to combine everything. Taste and salt it to your liking. I always add a sprinkle of fresh Italian parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes here—it makes the dish pop visually and flavor-wise.

Top Tip

From my experience making this creamy Cajun sausage pasta recipe more times than I can count, these tips have saved me from common pitfalls and made the final dish even better. Trust me, these little tricks can elevate your dinner game effortlessly.

Don’t Overcook the Sausage: Searing for just a few minutes until crisp but not burnt keeps the sausage juicy and flavorful.
Keep Stirring the Pasta: Especially during simmering, frequent stirring prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
Chunk Your Cream Cheese: Adding cream cheese in smaller chunks helps it melt uniformly and blend smoothly into a silky sauce.
Use the Sausage Oil: Don’t discard the pan drippings after cooking sausage—it’s packed with flavor and makes a fantastic base for sautéing your veggies.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I always top my pasta with chopped fresh Italian parsley—it brightens the dish and adds a fresh pop of color. A light sprinkle of red pepper flakes gives a subtle heat boost, but you can skip or ramp it up based on who you’re feeding. Sometimes a little grated Parmesan works wonders if you’re feeling cheesy!

Side Dishes

This creamy Cajun sausage pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green side salad or roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. For something quick, I like garlic bread or crusty gluten-free rolls to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this pasta in individual cast iron skillets—it keeps the dish warm and feels extra cozy. Garnishing with a few whole basil leaves or a light drizzle of olive oil adds a touch of elegance without fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I love saving leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days. When reheating, I usually add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce and stir gently on low heat so it doesn’t dry out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen fully cooked portions in freezer-safe containers with great results. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture stays satisfying, though the sauce might separate a bit—just stir well when warming.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little broth to refresh the sauce. Avoid microwaving at full power to prevent curdling. That way, the creamy texture stays just as luscious as day one.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! The recipe as provided uses gluten-free penne, but if you want to swap for a gluten-containing pasta, that’s fine too. Just cook according to package directions and adjust liquid as needed since cooking times may vary.

How spicy is this pasta?

The level of spice depends on how much Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes you add. The recipe calls for a moderate amount to provide warmth and flavor without overwhelming heat. Feel free to adjust to your preferred spice level!

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute andouille sausage with any smoked or spicy sausage that you enjoy, like chorizo or even Italian sausage. Just be mindful of the seasoning since different sausages vary in salt and spice.

What’s the best way to make the sauce extra creamy?

To get an extra creamy sauce, make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it, and stir well until smooth. You can also add a splash of heavy cream or milk at the end if you want it richer.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe is truly one of those dishes I always feel glad to have in my rotation. It’s straightforward but packed with complex flavors, creamy texture, and just the right amount of spice. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and serve it up as that comforting, tasty meal that feels like home in a bowl.