Introduction
ver crave a dish that’s bold, comforting, and ready in no time? That’s exactly what this Quick & Easy Cajun Sausage Pasta delivers. With its creamy sauce, smoky sausage, and a kick of Cajun spice, this recipe is the kind of weeknight winner that feels like it came straight out of a cozy Southern kitchen.
What I love most? It’s a one-pot wonder—minimal cleanup, maximum flavor. Whether you’re using Hillshire Farm sausage or your favorite andouille, this pasta brings serious flavor to the table without the fuss. It’s perfect for nights when you want something creamy and satisfying, but don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen all evening.
So, grab a fork and let’s make dinner that’s rich, spicy, and totally irresistible.
Table of Contents
Key Benefits for Cajun Sausage Pasta
This isn’t just another pasta recipe—it’s a go-to comfort dish that checks every box for flavor, ease, and flexibility. If you’re looking for something that’s both impressive and incredibly simple to make, this creamy Cajun classic might just become your new kitchen favorite.
Quick & Convenient
This is your ultimate weeknight pasta recipe. With just 30 minutes from start to finish and minimal prep, it’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something homemade but hassle-free.
Pot Wonder
Who wants a pile of dishes after dinner? This one-pot pasta keeps cleanup light and your stress even lighter.
Bold Cajun Flavors
Smoky, slightly spicy, and totally addictive. The mix of Cajun seasoning, creamy sauce, and andouille or Hillshire Farm sausage brings serious depth to every bite—without needing a ton of ingredients.
Creamy, But Customizable
Want a creamy Cajun sausage pasta? We’ve got you covered. Prefer it with a red sauce twist or trying to go lighter with no cream? This dish flexes to match your vibe.
Family-Approved
Even picky eaters can’t resist this one. The smoked sausage and tender pasta are kid-friendly, while the spice level can be easily adjusted to keep everyone at the table happy.
Ingredients for Cajun Sausage Pasta
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Quick & Easy Cajun Sausage Pasta. The ingredients are simple, pantry-friendly, and easy to find—yet they come together to create a dish that’s rich, creamy, and full of Southern flavor.
Pasta Base
- 12 oz penne pasta – You can also use rigatoni or fettuccine depending on your texture preference.
- Salt – For seasoning the pasta water.
Protein & Veggies
- 12 oz smoked sausage (like andouille or Cajun Sausage Pasta Hillshire Farms) – Sliced into rounds for easy bites.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the sausage and veggies.
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Creamy Cajun Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream – For that rich, velvety texture. (Cajun sausage pasta heavy cream)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds salty depth and helps thicken the sauce.
- ½ cup chicken broth – To balance richness and add flavor.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste – Gives the sauce a touch of sweetness and color.
- 1½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning – Add more or less depending on your spice preference.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika – Optional, but enhances the smoky flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes – Optional, for extra heat.
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Garnish
Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
Chopped fresh parsley
Cajun Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- Salt for boiling water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz smoked sausage e.g., andouille or Hillshire Farm, sliced
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 green bell pepper sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1½ tsp Cajun seasoning adjust to taste
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Crushed red pepper flakes optional
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- Extra Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- Heat oil in a large skillet. Cook sausage slices until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté onion and peppers until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Stir in tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, and paprika. Pour in broth and cream, then simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth.
- Return sausage and pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat. Adjust with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Season to taste, garnish with parsley and extra cheese, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a red sauce variation, add ½ cup marinara or crushed tomatoes.
- To make it lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or plant-based alternatives.
- Adjust the heat by increasing or reducing Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.
(Roughly)
- Protein: 20–25g
- Carbs: 50–55g
- Fat: 35–40g
Instructions
Creating this easy Cajun sausage pasta is straightforward and fuss-free. Just follow these quick steps:
Boil the Pasta: Cook your pasta in salted water until almost tender, then drain and keep a cup of the cooking water aside.
Sear the Sausage: Warm a bit of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Cook the sausage slices until browned and slightly crisp, then remove them from the pan.
Cook the Veggies: In the same pan, sauté the onions and bell peppers until they start to soften. Add the garlic and let it warm through for about 30 seconds—just enough to release its aroma without browning.
Build the Sauce: Mix in tomato paste, Cajun spices, and paprika. Pour in broth and cream, let it simmer briefly, and then stir in the cheese until smooth.
Bring It All Together: Add the sausage and pasta to the pan. Mix well until coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit of the pasta water to adjust the consistency.
Serve & Enjoy: Taste and season with salt, pepper, and a hint of chili flakes if desired. Top with parsley and enjoy warm.
Pro Tips & Variations
Want to make this Cajun sausage pasta your own? Here are a few smart tweaks and flavorful options to match your taste, pantry, or dietary needs.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Pasta
- Control the Heat: Cajun seasoning can vary in spice. Start small—you can always add more if you like it bold.
- Balance the Sauce: If the sauce thickens too much, loosen it with a small pour of broth or reserved pasta water.
- Cheese Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts smoother and gives the sauce a richer texture compared to pre-shredded.
Delicious Variations
Make it Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to keep it allergy-friendly without losing flavor.
No Cream? No Problem: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or try a creamy cashew sauce for a dairy-free twist. (Cajun sausage pasta no cream)
Want it Red? Stir in crushed tomatoes or marinara for a Cajun sausage pasta red sauce variation.
Add Greens: Toss in a handful of spinach or kale at the end for color and nutrients.
Swap the Sausage: If you’re not using Hillshire Farm or andouille, turkey or chicken sausage work beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is hearty enough to shine on its own, but if you’re looking to turn dinner into a full experience, here are a few easy pairing ideas:
On the Side
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is the perfect way to scoop up that creamy Cajun sauce.
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh side salad with a lemony vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta beautifully.
To Sip
- A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling pairs wonderfully, especially with the heat from the Cajun spices.
Garnish Ideas
- Sprinkle with extra Parmesan or a little more Cajun seasoning for added flavor.
- A handful of fresh chopped parsley brightens the dish and makes it pop visually.
Quick tip: this easy Cajun sausage pasta also makes fantastic leftovers. Just reheat with a splash of broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life!
Conclusion
And there you have it—a comforting, flavor-packed Cajun sausage pasta that’s quick enough for weeknights but tasty enough to impress. Whether you’re craving something creamy, smoky, or just plain satisfying, this recipe checks all the boxes.
It’s flexible, fuss-free, and full of bold Southern flavor. So grab a pan, pour that cream, and let the spice do the rest.
Tried it? I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Leave a comment or share your twist on this easy Cajun sausage pasta—your kitchen story might just inspire someone else.
FAQs
What kind of sausage for Cajun Alfredo?
For a bold, smoky flavor, andouille sausage is the top choice. It adds authentic Cajun flair. If you prefer something milder, Hillshire Farm smoked sausage or even turkey sausage works well too.
How do you make Cajun sauce for pasta?
A classic Cajun pasta sauce blends cream, Cajun seasoning, garlic, Parmesan, and sometimes tomato paste or broth. It’s rich, slightly spicy, and perfect for coating pasta and sausage.
What pasta goes with sausage?
Penne, fettuccine, and rigatoni are all excellent. Their shapes hold onto the sauce beautifully and pair well with sliced sausage.
Is andouille sausage the same as Cajun sausage?
Andouille is a type of Cajun sausage, but not all Cajun sausages are andouille. Andouille is typically spicier and more heavily smoked, while other Cajun sausages may be milder or differently seasoned.
How to thicken up Cajun pasta sauce?
Let it simmer to reduce naturally, or stir in a little extra grated cheese. If you need more body, mix a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch with broth and add it slowly to the sauce while stirring.