Name: One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun-inspired
Ingredients: 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced; 8 oz farfalle (bowtie) pasta; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1 small onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste); 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 oz cream cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil Salt and black pepper to taste

Rich, bold, and comfortingly creamy, One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta brings the heart of southern flavors right to your dinner table with minimal cleanup. This dish is a beautiful union of spicy smoked sausage, tender pasta, and a luscious Cajun-spiced cream sauce that clings to every bite. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, weeknight-friendly meal with just the right amount of heat and heartiness, this is your go-to.

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and depth of flavor. Everything cooks in one pot, which means the flavors meld together beautifully as the sausage, pasta, and sauce simmer away. The result? A dish that feels like it took hours to prepare, but really came together in under 30 minutes.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this dish seamless and efficient, having the right tools on hand is key:

Large deep skillet or Dutch oven – This is essential for cooking everything in one pot. A heavy-bottomed pan ensures even heat distribution and prevents burning.
Sharp knife and cutting board – For slicing sausage and chopping veggies quickly and safely.
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – Ideal for stirring without scratching your pan.

Measuring cups and spoons – Precision helps balance that bold Cajun spice.

These tools don’t just make prep easier—they also ensure a smoother cooking experience and allow you to bring the meal together without chaos.

Ingredients for the One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Smoked sausage – Adds deep, savory flavor and a spicy kick that infuses the whole dish.

Farfalle (bowtie) pasta – Its ridges and shape are perfect for catching every bit of the creamy Cajun sauce.
Bell peppers (red and green) – Brings a fresh crunch and vibrant color that balances the richness.
Onion – For a sweet aromatic base that elevates the savory elements.

Garlic – Adds depth and that essential Cajun essence.
Cajun seasoning – The backbone of flavor in this dish—bold, zesty, and a little spicy.
Heavy cream – Creates a silky, luxurious sauce that ties it all together.

Chicken broth – Helps cook the pasta and build flavor in the sauce.
Cream cheese – Adds body and tang to the creaminess.
Olive oil – Used for sautéing to get everything started.

Salt & pepper – For seasoning to taste.

How To Make the One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Veggies

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned. Toss in the chopped onions and bell peppers and cook until softened. Add garlic and stir until fragrant.

Step 2: Season and Add Liquid

Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning and stir well to coat everything. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the uncooked farfalle pasta.

Step 3: Simmer the Pasta

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 12–15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Add the heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken.

Step 5: Final Touches

Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of parmesan if desired, and serve hot.

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Serve this pasta hot, straight from the pot, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or shredded parmesan for a flavor boost. Pair it with crusty garlic bread or a crisp side salad to round out the meal.

For storing, let the pasta cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and warm over low heat until heated through. This dish is not freezer-friendly due to the creamy sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Penne, rotini, or rigatoni all work well, just adjust the cooking time as needed.

What kind of sausage works best?

Smoked sausage or andouille are ideal. For milder heat, use kielbasa.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level depends on your Cajun seasoning. You can tone it down or kick it up by adjusting the amount.

Can I make it dairy-free?

You can try substituting with coconut milk and a dairy-free cream cheese, though the flavor and texture will vary.

Is it possible to add veggies?

Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or even zucchini can be added for extra nutrition and texture.

Can I make it ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but you can make it a few hours in advance and reheat gently before serving.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved this One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta, here are some more cozy pasta dinners to check out next:

One Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta – sweet heat meets smoky sausage.
Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce – creamy comfort in every forkful.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini – rich, garlicky, and totally satisfying.

Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini – bold and saucy with a punch of flavor.
One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese – for when you want cheesy meets crispy.

For even more quick and delicious meal ideas, check out my Pinterest board where I share recipes daily: Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go heavy on the spice? Add a twist like mushrooms or spinach? I love hearing your variations.

Questions are welcome, too—let’s help each other make the tastiest one-pot dinners!

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a quick and flavorful dinner that combines spicy smoked sausage, bowtie pasta, and a rich, creamy Cajun sauce—all made in just one pan. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want bold flavor without the cleanup.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add sliced sausage and cook until browned.
Add chopped onion and bell peppers.

Sauté until softened, then stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the mixture and stir to combine.
Pour in chicken broth and stir in the uncooked farfalle pasta.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes or until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese.