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, thinly sliced); 1/2 medium yellow bell pepper (stemmed, seeds removed, 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 something downright comforting about a rich, flavorful pasta that comes together in one pot—and this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe hits all those cozy notes. It’s got that perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and hearty sausage that makes it a winning meal any night of the week.

A white plate with a brown rim holds a creamy pasta dish with three layers. The base layer is penne pasta in a light orange sauce. On top, there are slices of browned sausage with a dark crust, scattered red pepper strips, and cooked mushrooms with smooth, brown caps. The dish is sprinkled with small green parsley leaves, black pepper, and red chili flakes. A wooden-handled fork rests on the left edge of the plate, and the whole setting is on a white marbled surface with some parsley leaves nearby. 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 first made this creamy Cajun sausage pasta recipe when I was craving something that felt indulgent yet came together without hours of fuss. It’s become a regular around here because of how simple and flexible it is, yet the flavors never fall flat.

One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
Bold and Creamy Flavors: The Cajun seasoning gives it a nice kick while the cream cheese creates that silky texture we all love in a pasta sauce.
Hearty and Satisfying: The andouille sausage provides a smoky, savory punch that really makes this pasta stand out.
Customizable Heat Level: You control how spicy it gets—add more Cajun seasoning or dial it back for the kiddos.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role—from the smoky andouille sausage to the fresh bell peppers that add just the right amount of crunch and sweetness. Here’s why I love using these, and some tips for picking the best options.

Flat lay of sliced andouille sausage medallions arranged neatly, fresh baby bella mushrooms thinly sliced, half a medium red bell pepper thinly sliced, half a medium yellow bell pepper thinly sliced, three large whole uncracked garlic cloves, gluten-free penne pasta scattered loosely, small white ceramic bowl of diced fire-roasted tomatoes, small white ceramic bowl of chicken broth, small white ceramic bowl with creamy chunks of cream cheese, small white ceramic bowl with reddish Cajun seasoning powder, small bunch of fresh Italian parsley sprigs, small white ceramic bowl with red pepper flakes, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced and symmetrical layout, placed 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: Its smoky, spicy flavor is perfect for Cajun dishes. Look for quality links to get that authentic taste.
Baby bella mushrooms: These add an earthy note and soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
Red and yellow bell peppers: They brighten the dish with sweetness and color—don’t skip them!
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives this recipe that fantastic aromatic base.
Gluten-free penne pasta: Cooks nicely in broth and holds the sauce well; you can swap regular pasta if you prefer.
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Adds a subtle smoky depth and little bursts of acidity that balance the richness.
Chicken broth: This is the cooking liquid for the pasta here, infusing flavor as it simmers.
Cajun seasoning: The soul of the dish—choose a good-quality blend with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne.
Cream cheese: Creates the ultra-creamy sauce without needing heavy cream. Make sure it’s softened for quick melting.
Salt and optional garnishes: Salt to taste and fresh parsley or red pepper flakes add brightness and a little extra heat if you want.

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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 creamy Cajun sausage pasta recipe depending on my mood or what’s in the fridge. It’s forgiving and open to a bunch of fun variations that keep it fresh every time I make it.

Vegetable Boost: I sometimes toss in fresh spinach or kale at the end for extra greens—it softens right into the creamy sauce.
Heat Level: When I’m serving guests who prefer mild, I use less Cajun seasoning and skip the red pepper flakes. For spice lovers, I add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce.
Protein Swap: Tried this with chicken sausage or even shrimp, and both work great! Just adjust cooking times slightly.
Cheese Variations: Cream cheese gives a tangy creaminess but mixing in a handful of shredded mozzarella or cheddar makes it extra gooey and comforting.

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

Two white plates with brown rims hold creamy pasta dishes on a white marbled surface. Each plate has one layer of penne pasta coated in a thick, light orange cream sauce. Mixed in are slices of browned sausage, thin red bell pepper strips, yellow bell pepper pieces, and cooked mushrooms with darker caramelized edges. Small bits of green parsley are sprinkled on top, adding fresh color. Silver forks with wooden handles rest beside the pasta on each plate. Around the plates, a few parsley leaves and crushed red pepper flakes are scattered. Two clear glasses with light orange beverage sit nearby, with a small white bowl filled with crushed red pepper. A cloth napkin with black and white stripes lies beneath the lower plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sear the Sausage to Lock in Flavor

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding the sliced andouille sausage. I like to give them a good sear, cooking about 2 minutes per side until they crisp up and release their smoky oils. This not only enhances their flavor but leaves you with a flavorful base to cook your veggies in. Don’t rush this step—it’s worth the extra minute or two. Once done, transfer the sausage to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess fat, but keep all those delicious drippings in the pan!

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies in Sausage Oil

In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms, red and yellow bell peppers, and minced garlic. The sausage oil will give your veggies a subtle smoky flavor right from the start. Stir and cook for about 3 minutes until the mushrooms begin to brown and the peppers soften slightly. This quick sauté builds the layers of flavor that make this dish sing.

Step 3: Add Pasta, Tomatoes, Broth, and Cajun Seasoning

Now, pour in the dry penne pasta, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning. Stir everything just until well combined, then cover with a lid and increase the heat to bring it all to a boil. This step sets the stage for the pasta to soak up all those spices and flavors.

Step 4: Simmer Pasta Until Al Dente

Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer, uncovered, for 12-15 minutes. Stir every few minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom and to evenly distribute the sauce. You’re looking for tender pasta with just the right bite—al dente, not mushy. This timing works perfectly with penne, but adjust if you’re using different pasta shapes.

Step 5: Stir in Cream Cheese for Ultimate Creaminess

Drop in chunks of cream cheese and stir gently until it completely melts, turning the sauce into a luscious, velvety coating on every pasta piece. I usually turn the heat down a notch here to prevent the sauce from scorching. You may have to stir a little longer to make sure all the cream cheese melts smoothly—patience pays off!

Step 6: Mix Sausage Back In and Season to Taste

Finally, add the sautéed sausage medallions back into the skillet, give everything a big stir, and season with salt to taste. I love finishing it with a sprinkle of fresh Italian parsley for a pop of color and a few red pepper flakes if I want an extra kick. And voilà — creamy, comforting pasta that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Top Tip

Making this creamy Cajun sausage pasta recipe taught me that timing and layering flavors matter big time. Here are a few tips to make yours taste fantastic every time.

Searing Sausage Well: Don’t rush this step—crispy edges add so much flavor and texture that you don’t want to miss out on.
Stir Often During Pasta Simmer: Pasta can stick or clump if you leave it unattended. A gentle stir every few minutes keeps the sauce silky and the pasta separate.
Temperature Control: Keep the heat moderate when adding the cream cheese—too hot and the sauce can separate or scorch easily.
Adjust Seasoning at the End: Taste before adding extra salt or spice; the sausage and broth already have some saltiness, so you might not need much more.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Cajun Sausage Pasta - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top this pasta with fresh chopped Italian parsley. It brightens the dish and adds a touch of color that makes it feel just a little more special. If you’re craving heat, red pepper flakes are an easy way to kick it up a notch right before serving.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls are great for sopping up any creamy sauce left on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like serving this creamy Cajun sausage pasta recipe in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of shaved Parmesan. Adding a lemon wedge on the side brightens the flavors and impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta will soak up some sauce, so it might seem a bit drier, but reheating with a splash of broth or water brings back that creamy texture beautifully.

Freezing

I haven’t frozen this recipe often because it tastes best fresh, but if you do freeze, use a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge. Cream cheese can separate slightly after freezing, so stir well when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and keep it smooth and creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of sausage in the Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While andouille sausage gives this recipe its smoky Cajun punch, you can substitute with Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even chorizo. Just adjust cooking time based on the sausage’s thickness and type to ensure it’s fully cooked and flavorful.

Is this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free pasta, like the penne suggested in the recipe. Always double-check your Cajun seasoning and broth labels to be sure they don’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients.

Can I make this recipe spicier or milder?

Definitely! You control the heat by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes. For a milder version, use less seasoning or omit the flakes entirely. If you want it spicier, add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste. It's super easy to tailor the spice level to your preference.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe?

The best way is to gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen up the sauce. Stir frequently to keep it creamy and prevent sticking. Microwaving works too, but stirring halfway through helps it heat evenly.

Final Thoughts

This creamy Cajun sausage pasta recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s reliable, insanely tasty, and perfect for nights when you want comfort food without the fuss. I hope you give it a try and make it your own—it really is a crowd-pleaser that feels cozy and just a little fancy at the same time. Trust me, once you nail this dish, it’ll be in your regular rotation too!