Cajun Sausage Pasta

Posted on February 15, 2026

introduction

This cozy, spicy skillet dinner is a weeknight winner—Cajun Sausage Pasta brings bold Southern flavors to a creamy, comforting bowl. It’s easy to throw together and perfect for busy families, meal prep, or a cozy date-night at home. For another sausage-forward comfort dish with a twist, check out this Blackstone griddle sausage cranberry stuffing that showcases sausage in a different, crowd-pleasing way.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Sausage Pasta

Big, bold Cajun flavor without hours of prep.
One-skillet sauce (plus a pot for pasta) keeps cleanup quick.
Family-friendly — adjust heat up or down for kids.
Great for meal prep: refrigerates and reheats very well.
Uses pantry staples and a single pound of sausage for protein.

Ingredients Needed :

Protein

1 lb andouille sausage, sliced

Pasta

8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)

Vegetables

1 bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce & liquids

1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth

Spices & seasoning

2 tsp Cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil

Toppings

Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

For a caramelized-sweet contrast that pairs well with creamy sauces, you might enjoy the flavor profile in this caramelized onion pasta with chili oil.

Step-by-Step Instructions :

Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the chopped bell pepper, onion, and garlic; sauté until softened.
Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Cajun seasoning; stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it thicken for about 5 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet; toss to coat in the sauce.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top.

Serving Suggestions Cajun Sausage Pasta

Serve with a crisp green salad and a bright vinaigrette to cut the creaminess.
Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are perfect for sopping up the sauce.
Add a side of roasted vegetables (broccoli or asparagus) for extra color and texture.
For a richer dinner party version, top with a squeeze of lemon and extra parsley.
For a related creamy, spiced pasta idea, try this Cajun cream cheese Alfredo bowties with spiced ground beef for inspiration.

Tips for Success Cajun Sausage Pasta

Brown the sausage well: good color builds flavor for the sauce.
Don’t overcook the pasta — aim for al dente so it holds up when tossed in sauce.
Adjust cream thickness: simmer longer to thicken, or add a splash more cream if it’s too tight.
Taste and season at the end — sausage and Cajun seasoning can vary in salt, so add salt sparingly.
Make it ahead: store sauce and pasta separately, then reheat together over low heat with a splash of broth.

variation (if any)

Shrimp swap: replace sausage with 1 lb peeled shrimp, adding them in Step 3 and cooking 2–3 minutes per side.
Veg-forward: add mushrooms or zucchini with the bell pepper for extra veggies.
Heat level: increase Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne for more kick.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different sausage?
A: Yes — kielbasa or spicy Italian sausage work well. If using a mild sausage, boost the Cajun seasoning.

Q: How long does Cajun Sausage Pasta keep in the fridge?
A: Stored in an airtight container, it keeps 3–4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Creamy sauces can separate when frozen. For best results, freeze the cooked sausage and vegetables separately from the pasta, then combine and finish on the stove when thawed.

Q: What pasta shapes work best?
A: Penne, fettuccine, rigatoni, or bowties — any shape that holds sauce will work well.