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 just something so satisfying about a rich, flavorful pasta dish that doesn’t require endless pots and pans. This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe is my go-to when I want something hearty, quick, and packed with bold Southern-inspired flavors all in one pan.

A plate with creamy penne pasta mixed with slices of browned sausage, thin slices of red and yellow bell peppers, and mushrooms. The pasta is coated in a smooth orange sauce, and the dish is topped with green parsley pieces and black pepper specks. On the left side of the plate, a fork with a wooden handle rests. The plate is white with a brown rim, placed on a white marbled surface with some parsley bits scattered near the top. There is a small white bowl of crushed red pepper flakes at the bottom right, just outside the plate's edge. 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

I can’t get enough of how this recipe brings together spicy sausage, creamy sauce, and tender pasta in one pan. It’s not only packed with flavor but also comes together quickly, making weeknights feel a little more gourmet without the hassle.

One-Pot Wonder: You’ll love how easy cleanup is because everything cooks together in one pan.
Bold Cajun Flavor: The seasoning mix adds that perfect spicy kick without being overpowering.
Creamy Satisfaction: The cream cheese melts into a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to every bite of pasta.
Quick & Customizable: Ready in about 30 minutes and easy to tweak depending on your heat tolerance or creamy cravings.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe comes from combining smoky sausage with fresh veggies and a creamy, tomato-streaked sauce. Each ingredient complements the others beautifully, and choosing good quality sausage and fresh mushrooms really elevates it.

Flat lay of a few sliced andouille sausage medallions, fresh baby bella mushrooms thinly sliced, half a medium red bell pepper thinly sliced, half a medium yellow bell pepper thinly sliced, three whole large garlic cloves with clean shells, uncooked gluten-free penne pasta, a small white bowl of diced fire-roasted tomatoes, a small white bowl of chicken broth, a small white bowl of creamy white cream cheese chunks, a small white bowl of reddish Cajun seasoning powder, a small bunch of fresh Italian parsley sprigs, and a small white bowl with red pepper flakes, all arranged symmetrically and balanced 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: Smoky, spicy, and robust—it's the heart of the dish, adding bold Cajun flavor.
Baby bella mushrooms: Their earthy depth balances the spice and adds meaty texture.
Red and yellow bell peppers: They brighten the dish with sweetness and color.
Garlic cloves: Essential for layering in savory aroma—don’t skimp here!
Gluten-free penne pasta: Holds sauce well and makes this recipe friendly for gluten-sensitive folks.
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Their smoky sweetness adds complexity and a touch of acidity.
Chicken broth: The cooking liquid that flavors the pasta while tenderizing it perfectly.
Cajun seasoning mix: This custom blend is what brings the authentic Cajun spice heat and depth.
Cream cheese: Creates the rich, creamy sauce that makes this pasta recipe so indulgent.
Salt, parsley, and red pepper flakes (optional): Finishing touches to enhance, brighten, or kick up the 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

I love tweaking this recipe depending on the mood — sometimes I add extra cream cheese for even richer sauce or swap the andouille for chicken sausage when I want something a bit lighter. You should totally experiment with your favorite sausage or veggies!

Spice it up: I once added extra Cajun seasoning and a pinch more red pepper flakes to really bring the heat — it was a crowd-pleaser for spice lovers.
Veggie twist: Swapping in kale or spinach at the end is a simple way to sneak in some greens without messing with the creamy sauce.
For creamier sauce: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half when melting the cream cheese for an ultra-luxurious finish.
Meat-free option: Use spicy vegetarian sausage or smoked tofu to keep the flavor punch without the meat.

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

Two white plates with brown rims hold creamy pasta dishes with penne pasta, slices of browned sausage, red and yellow bell pepper strips, and pieces of mushrooms, all mixed in a light cream sauce. The pasta is sprinkled with chopped fresh parsley and black pepper. Each plate has a silver fork with a dark wooden handle resting beside the pasta. Around the plates, there are two glasses with a light pink drink and a small white bowl with red pepper flakes. The setting is on a white marbled surface, accompanied by a beige and white striped cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sear the sausage for depth

I start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and searing those andouille sausage medallions until they're just crisped—about 4 minutes total. The key here is not overcrowding the pan so they get that beautiful caramelized crust, which adds serious flavor. Don’t toss out the seasoned oil; it’s liquid gold for the next step.

Step 2: Sauté the veggies in sausage oil

Next, toss in the sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, and garlic straight into the same skillet. Let them cook and soften for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Those veggies soak up the sausage drippings and start to brown just right — which builds layers of flavor.

Step 3: Combine and boil the pasta

Pour in the penne pasta, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning. Give everything a good stir until it’s mixed, then cover with a lid and bring to a boil. This step infuses the pasta with all those spicy, smoky notes as it cooks.

Step 4: Simmer pasta until al dente

Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and let the pasta simmer for about 12-15 minutes. Stir it every few minutes to prevent sticking and to keep the sauce creamy as the pasta absorbs the liquid. You want that perfect al dente bite — tender but still with a little chew.

Step 5: Melt in the cream cheese

Drop chunks of cream cheese into the skillet and stir until it’s fully melted, transforming the broth into a velvety, luscious sauce. Take your time here to ensure no clumps remain — that smoothness is key to nailing this recipe’s creamy texture.

Step 6: Final touches and serve

Return the sausage to the pan so it warms through, then season with salt to taste. Give everything a big stir, garnish with some fresh Italian parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like that extra pop of heat, and you’re ready to dig in.

Top Tip

From my kitchen experiments, a few simple tweaks make this creamy Cajun sausage pasta even better. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Use the sausage oil: Don’t drain it after cooking the sausage—the flavor-packed fat enhances the veggies and keeps everything rich.
Stir consistently: When simmering the pasta, regular stirring prevents it from sticking and ensures an even creamy sauce throughout.
Cream cheese temp: Cut your cream cheese into small chunks at room temperature for quicker, smoother melting.
Adjust seasoning last: Always taste after adding cream cheese since it can mellow the spice, then add salt or extra Cajun seasoning as needed.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Cajun sausage pasta - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this pasta with freshly chopped Italian parsley—it brightens every bite and adds a lovely pop of green. Red pepper flakes are a must on our table; they add a little heat contrast that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan works too if you want that extra cheesy touch.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty baguette are also my favorite companions for soaking up all that creamy sauce leftover on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I once served this in individual pasta bowls with a swirl of extra cream cheese and a few fresh herb sprigs on top — it felt fancy yet approachable. You can also bake it briefly with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella for a bubbly crust on top, turning it into a comforting casserole twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta does soak up some sauce overnight, so I usually add a splash of chicken broth or milk when reheating to loosen things back up.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawing, I recommend overnight in the fridge and reheating gently on the stovetop to keep the creamy texture.

Reheating

The stovetop is best for reheating to maintain the sauce’s creaminess. Warm it over low heat, stirring and adding a little broth or water as needed to avoid dryness. The microwave works fine too — just heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! While andouille gives it that classic Cajun flavor, you can use smoked sausage, chorizo, or even chicken sausage depending on what you like or have on hand.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese or coconut cream, though this will slightly change the flavor and texture of the sauce. Adjust seasoning accordingly.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the sausage and veggies ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to cook, just simmer the pasta with broth and combine everything. Leftovers store well too.

What’s the best way to adjust the spice level?

Start with the recommended amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes, then add more gradually to suit your taste. For less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes altogether. The creamy sauce also helps mellow spice naturally.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe has truly become one of my favorite comfort meals. It’s cozy and flavorful with minimal fuss, and it never fails to impress when friends come over. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s a great recipe to keep in your weeknight rotation for those times you want big flavor without big effort.