One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Deliciously creamy Cajun pasta made in one pot! My favorite part about this recipe is the sauce: it’s rich and cheesy with a little spicy kick. Rigatoni pasta shapes trap that sauce beautifully, and smoky Andouille sausage makes it feel hearty and filling.

For more Cajun flavor, try our Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta or our Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta.

When you need something fast but still packed with flavor, this one-pot Cajun sausage pasta delivers. This recipe keeps things simple by cooking the pasta right in the sauce, so it soaks up every bit of flavor while you relax. We’re talking full-on comfort food vibes without spending all night in the kitchen. It’s a weeknight win!

Ingredient Notes

• Olive Oil: Any neutral oil will work, like avocado, canola, or vegetable.
• Onion: A medium yellow or white onion works.
• Red Bell Pepper: Red, orange, and yellow are sweeter, while green are often cheaper. You can substitute red with any of the above.
• Andouille Sausage: If you can’t find andouille, kielbasa or another smoked sausage will also work.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is preferred, or you can use the jarred kind. You can substitute 1 teaspoon garlic powder if you don’t have the others.
• Cajun Seasoning: This blend can be purchased at most grocery stores in the spice aisle, but we prefer to make our own.
• Rigatoni or Penne: You want a pasta that will hold that delicious, creamy sauce! Any tube-shaped pasta will work.
• Diced Tomatoes: You can use fire-roasted tomatoes instead for a little more flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Also labeled Heavy Whipping Cream. If you need to lighten things up, you can use half-and-half, but it’ll be a thinner sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: For the best flavor, avoid pre-grated cheese, as they have anti-caking additives that can have a grainy texture.

Andouille Sausage

You can usually find andouille sausage in the meat section of most US grocery stores, often near other smoked or precooked sausages. It’s typically sold in a link that is long and curved.

If you can’t find andouille sausage, kielbasa, smoked sausage, or even cooked chorizo are great options. Want it mild? Use sweet Italian sausage and add a pinch of smoked paprika.

Adjusting the Heat Level

More Heat: If you love a spicy kick, there are plenty of ways to amp up the heat in this dish! Increase the amount of cayenne pepper in your Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can even drizzle in a bit of your favorite hot sauce for an extra punch.

Less Heat: For those who prefer a milder flavor, simply omit the cayenne pepper in the homemade Cajun seasoning or choose a pre-made seasoning blend labeled as mild.

Variations

Ready to switch things up a little more and make it your own?

Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. The sauce will be thinner, but still tasty!

Go veggie-heavy: Toss in a handful of spinach at the end or sauté mushrooms with your onions and peppers.

Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free penne or rotini that holds up well to simmering.

Tips for Success

Don’t Skip the Slurry: It might feel like an extra step, but this is what makes the sauce extra silky and coats the pasta perfectly.

Use Low-Sodium Broth: Between the sausage, cheese, and Cajun seasoning, the salt adds up fast. Starting with low-sodium broth gives you better control.

Want it thicker? After stirring in the cream and cheese, simmer uncovered for a couple minutes more. It’ll thicken up even more as it cools.

Serving Suggestions

This one-pot pasta is a whole meal on its own, but if you’re looking for a little something extra to pair with this dish, we’ve got you covered. We love our Easy Skillet Cornbread, especially with anything Cajun! If you’re not a fan of cornbread, try our Rapid-Rise Skillet Rolls. This pasta is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want sides, try: