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; 1/2 cup canned, diced fire-roasted tomatoes; 12 oz. gluten-free penne pasta; 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)

Picture this: tender pasta smothered in a rich, velvety sauce with just the right kick of spice and smoky, savory sausage bites. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe—it’s a one-pot wonder that feels indulgent but comes together so easily.

A white plate with a brown rim holds one layer of creamy pasta covered in orange sauce. Mixed in are slices of browned sausage, pieces of light brown mushrooms, and thin strips of red bell pepper. The pasta is penne, light yellow with a smooth texture, and the dish is sprinkled with small green parsley leaves. A silver fork with a wooden handle rests inside the plate on the left side. The plate sits on a surface with a white marbled texture and some small green parsley leaves scattered nearby. A white bowl with red chili flakes is partly visible at the bottom right corner. 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

This recipe quickly became a favorite in my kitchen because it delivers big flavor without a complicated process. It’s perfect when I want something comforting but don’t want to spend hours cooking or dirty a bunch of dishes.

Flavor-packed in one pot: The smoky and spicy Cajun sausage elevates every bite without needing extra sauces or sides.
Quick and fuss-free: From start to finish, it takes just about 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable spice level: You control how much heat you want, so it’s friendly for all taste buds.
Creamy comfort food: The cream cheese adds richness that’s indulgent but balanced with fresh veggies and smoky sausage.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a role in creating that perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory notes. Using fresh veggies adds color and texture, while the andouille sausage brings authentic Cajun flavor and a hint of smokiness.

Flat lay of fresh andouille sausage links sliced into medallions, thinly sliced fresh baby bella mushrooms, half a medium red bell pepper sliced, half a medium yellow bell pepper sliced, three whole large garlic cloves with clean shells, uncooked gluten-free penne pasta, a small white ceramic bowl with diced fire-roasted tomatoes, a small white ceramic bowl filled with chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl containing low-salt Cajun seasoning mix, chunks of cream cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse salt, a small white ceramic bowl with finely chopped fresh Italian parsley, and a small white ceramic bowl with red pepper flakes, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions 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: This smoked sausage has a beautiful spice profile that infuses the entire dish with authentic Cajun taste.
Baby bella mushrooms: They soak up the sausage oil and seasonings, adding earthiness and a lovely bite.
Red and yellow bell peppers: These give sweetness and crunch, balancing the heat with fresh, vibrant flavor.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds that irresistible aromatic base that wakes up every other ingredient.
Gluten-free penne pasta: The penne shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully while being allergy-friendly.
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: These bring a subtle smoky tang that complements the sausage and adds depth.
Chicken broth: The cooking liquid that infuses the pasta with extra flavor as it simmers.
Cajun seasoning mix: A simple way to add bold spices like paprika, cayenne, and herbs—essential for that signature taste.
Cream cheese: Gives the sauce its wonderfully smooth, rich texture that makes every bite feel decadent.
Fresh Italian parsley: Optional but awesome for a bright herbaceous touch at the end.
Red pepper flakes: Also optional, but a great way to dial up the heat if you like it spicy.

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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 the heat level, depending on who’s eating or how daring I’m feeling. Sometimes I swap out the andouille for chicken sausage to lighten it up, or add extra veggies when I want to sneak in more greens.

Spice it down or up: I dial back the Cajun seasoning and skip red pepper flakes for kids, or add more cayenne if I want a real kick.
Veggie boost: Try adding spinach or zucchini for a fresh twist—I usually toss them in during the last few minutes of simmering.
Dairy-free alternative: If cream cheese isn’t your thing, coconut cream or a cashew cream sauce works surprisingly well here.
Pasta swap: Penne is my go-to, but rigatoni or even fusilli will catch the sauce beautifully too.

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

Two white plates with brown rims each hold a creamy pasta dish made of penne pasta coated in a light orange sauce. The top layer shows browned sausage slices, red and yellow bell pepper strips, mushroom pieces, and chopped green herbs sprinkled over. Both plates have a fork with a wooden handle placed on their side. One glass of light pink drink and a small white bowl of crushed red pepper flakes sit on the white marbled surface around the plates. A soft, striped cloth is partly visible near the bottom plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sear That Sausage for Maximum Flavor

I heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the sliced andouille sausage. The key here is not rushing—let the sausage brown nicely on both sides, about 4 minutes total. You want a bit of crispiness for texture and to render all those flavorful oils. Don’t toss the oil out; it’s liquid gold for cooking the veggies next!

Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies to Build Depth

Using the sausage oil left in the pan, toss in the sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté for around 3 minutes or until the mushrooms just start to brown. This step is all about concentrating the flavors and layering that savory goodness.

Step 3: Bring It All Together with Pasta and Broth

Now add the penne pasta, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning to the skillet. Give everything a good stir so it’s evenly mixed. Pop a lid on and turn the heat up until it boils.

Step 4: Simmer Until Perfectly Tender

Once boiling, lower the heat to medium and let the pasta cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Remember to stir every few minutes to keep the pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking. The pasta should be tender, but with a little bite—al dente is what we want here.

Step 5: Stir in Cream Cheese for That Dreamy Sauce

Drop chunks of cream cheese into the skillet and stir until it melts completely into a smooth, thick sauce. This step transforms the dish from simple pasta to a creamy, luscious meal that hugs every bite.

Step 6: Final Touches and Serve!

Return the sausage to the skillet, season with salt to your liking, and stir everything together for a big flavor mash-up. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want to amp up the heat. Then, just serve it up and enjoy that first comforting forkful!

Top Tip

Based on countless times making this creamy Cajun sausage pasta recipe, I’ve learned that a few minor tweaks go a long way to upping the flavor without extra effort.

Don’t skip searing: Browning the sausage first creates those crispy bits and deep flavors that carry through the whole dish.
Use the sausage oil: It’s packed with flavor—cooking your veggies in it boosts the dish without any extra fat or seasoning needed.
Stir often during simmer: Prevents the pasta from sticking and helps the sauce thicken evenly.
Mind the cream cheese: Let it melt gently and stir well to avoid lumps and get a silky smooth sauce.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Cajun Sausage Pasta - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I keep it simple with a fresh sprinkle of chopped Italian parsley—it adds color and a bright herbal note that cuts through the richness. If I’m feeling bold, a few red pepper flakes go on top for a bit more kick.

Side Dishes

I love serving this pasta alongside a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for some crunch and freshness. Garlic bread is a classic partner too—and perfect for mopping up that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve layered this pasta in a deep casserole dish topped with shredded mozzarella and baked just until bubbly and golden. It’s an instant crowd-pleaser that looks elegant but doesn’t add fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta soaks up the sauce nicely overnight, making the flavors even more melded.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta a few times without issues. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture stays great thanks to the hearty sausage and thick sauce.

Reheating

My favorite way to reheat is gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently so it heats evenly and stays creamy without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different sausage instead of andouille?

Absolutely! While andouille gives this dish its signature smoky Cajun flavor, you can swap it for kielbasa, chorizo, or even chicken sausage for a milder taste—just adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free penne pasta and double-check your Cajun seasoning and sausage, this dish can easily be gluten-free. It’s a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.

How spicy is the Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe?

The heat comes mainly from the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes, which you can adjust to taste. It has a nice medium kick by default but is super flexible—just add less or more spice to suit your preference.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! To make this dairy-free, swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative such as cashew cream or coconut cream. The sauce will still be creamy and delicious, just with a different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe has become my go-to when I want a comforting meal that doesn’t take forever but still feels special. It’s cozy, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable—which makes it a real winner for dinners with family or friends. I hope you try it soon; I’m sure it’ll become one of your favorites too!