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 something so comforting about a dish that brings bold flavors and creamy textures together effortlessly. This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe hits all those notes, making it an absolute favorite when I want a satisfying meal without fussing over lots of pots and pans.

A white plate with a brown edge holds one layer of creamy penne pasta mixed with slices of browned sausage, orange and red pepper strips, and bits of mushrooms. The pasta is coated in a light orange sauce with flecks of black pepper and is topped with chopped green herbs scattered evenly across. A fork with a wooden handle rests on the left side of the plate. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with some chopped green herbs and red pepper flakes around. 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 manages to balance big Cajun flavors with the creamy indulgence of cheese and pasta in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze. It’s perfect for busy nights and always a crowd-pleaser at my table.

One-pot wonder: You cook everything in a single skillet, saving time and dishes—which I’m all about on weeknights.
Bold Cajun flavor: The seasoning mix gives just the right spicy kick without overwhelming the palate.
Perfectly creamy sauce: Cream cheese melts into a luscious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
Customizable: You can easily adjust heat, veggies, or protein to make it your own kitchen masterpiece.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When you look at these ingredients, they all complement each other to build rich aroma and layered flavor. The sausage lends smoky depth while the veggies add freshness and texture. The cream cheese ties it all together with a silky, comforting finish.

Flat lay of sliced andouille sausage medallions, fresh baby bella mushrooms thinly sliced, half a medium red bell pepper sliced, half a medium yellow bell pepper sliced, three large whole garlic cloves uncracked, 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 Cajun seasoning mix, chunks of cream cheese, fresh Italian parsley sprigs, and red pepper flakes all arranged with perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic dishes and bowls, 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: This smoked sausage brings smoky, spicy notes and holds up well when seared for texture.
Baby bella mushrooms: Their earthy flavor deepens the dish while adding meaty texture.
Red and yellow bell peppers: They add sweetness and color, balancing the Cajun spices.
Garlic: A classic flavor booster that rounds out the savory profile.
Gluten-free penne pasta: Holds the sauce beautifully and is perfect if you’re avoiding gluten.
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Adds a subtle smoky tang and vibrant acidity.
Chicken broth: The cooking liquid that infuses the pasta as it simmers.
Cajun seasoning: The star spice blend that gives this dish its unforgettable kick.
Cream cheese: Melts into a creamy sauce with just the right tang and richness.
Salt: To taste — it helps balance and highlight all other flavors.
Fresh Italian parsley: An optional herb garnish that adds bright freshness.
Red pepper flakes: Optional for extra heat if you like to turn up the spice a notch.

📝

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 always encourage you to play with this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe to match your mood or pantry. Sometimes I swap in different sausages or add extra veggies for freshness. You can easily tweak the spice level or creaminess to your liking too.

Veggie boost: Adding chopped spinach or kale near the end brightens the dish and sneaks in some greens. I love throwing in a handful of fresh spinach for color and nutrition.
Heat it up: If you want more spice, adding extra cajun seasoning or a splash of hot sauce really livens things up.
Swap protein: I’ve made this with chicken sausage or turkey sausage as a leaner twist, and it still tastes amazing.
Dairy-free version: Try coconut cream or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to enjoy a similar creamy texture without dairy.

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

Two white speckled plates with brown rims hold creamy pasta dishes on a white marbled surface. Each plate has three main layers: a base of creamy beige penne pasta, topped with browned sausage slices in deep reddish-brown, and mixed vegetables including light beige mushroom slices and thin strips of red and orange bell peppers scattered throughout. Both plates are garnished with chopped green parsley and sprinkled with black pepper and red chili flakes. Nearby, there are two glasses with a light amber drink and a small white bowl filled with red chili flakes. Wooden-handled forks rest beside each plate, and a white cloth with a gray striped edge lies beneath the plates. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Crisp the Sausage

Start by slicing your andouille sausage into medallions and searing them over medium heat. I like to let them get nicely browned and slightly crisp—about 2 minutes per side—because that caramelization adds a smoky depth you don’t want to miss. Don’t throw away the flavorful oil left behind; it’s the magic base for your veggies.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Using the sausage oil, toss in your sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté everything about 3 minutes, just until the mushrooms begin to soften and brown. This step builds that rich, layered flavor foundation before the pasta goes in.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Liquids

Next, pour in the gluten-free penne, fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning. Give everything a good stir so the pasta starts soaking up all those spicy, savory flavors. Then pop a lid on and bring it to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Lower the heat to medium and let the pasta gently simmer for about 12-15 minutes. Keep stirring every couple of minutes so the pasta cooks evenly and the sauce doesn’t stick. You’re aiming for tender but with a tiny bite (al dente) so it holds up well in that creamy sauce.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Drop in chunks of cream cheese and stir until everything melts together into a luxuriously thick and creamy sauce. This step is where the magic happens — suddenly, the whole dish feels indulgent and comforting.

Step 6: Final Touches and Serve

Return the sausage medallions to the skillet, add salt to taste, and give it all a big stir to combine. I love sprinkling fresh Italian parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes on top for brightness and a little heat kick. Then dive in right away—this dish is best enjoyed warm and saucy.

Top Tip

After making this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe multiple times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference between just good and truly memorable.

Don’t overcook the sausage: Sear it just until browned and slightly crispy; overcooking can dry it out.
Stir often during simmering: This prevents the pasta from sticking and helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Use room temperature cream cheese: It melts more smoothly and prevents clumping in your sauce.
Adjust seasoning at the end: After adding cream cheese, taste and add salt or extra Cajun seasoning if needed, since cream cheese can mellow flavors.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Cajun Sausage Pasta - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top mine with freshly chopped Italian parsley for a burst of herbal brightness and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Sometimes I add shredded Parmesan for extra cheesiness—it just complements the creamy Cajun flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

For sides, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette contrasts nicely with the richness, or some crusty garlic bread to mop up every last bit of sauce. Roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts also pair beautifully here.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, I’ve served this pasta in individual ramekins topped with fresh herbs and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil at dinner parties. It makes the dish feel special without extra work, and your guests adore the presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend stirring in a splash of chicken broth or milk when reheating to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy.

Freezing

This recipe freezes fairly well, though I prefer freezing before adding cream cheese for best texture. Freeze the pasta and sausage mixture in a sealed container for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight before finishing with cream cheese and reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently. Add a little broth or cream to revive the sauce’s silky consistency. Microwaving works too, but go slow and stir often to avoid uneven heating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten-free penne?

Yes! Regular penne or any short pasta shape works perfectly in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time if needed, and watch closely to avoid overcooking.

What can I substitute for andouille sausage?

You can swap andouille for smoked sausage, kielbasa, chicken sausage, or even chorizo depending on your taste preferences. Each will bring slightly different flavors but keep the recipe delicious.

How spicy is this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe?

It has a pleasant medium level of spice from the Cajun seasoning and optional red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less seasoning to suit your taste.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can replace cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or use coconut cream for richness. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture may differ slightly but will still be delicious.

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t recommend this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe enough—it’s a trusty go-to that lets you enjoy rich, satisfying flavors without a lot of hassle. Every time I make it, it feels like a warm hug on a plate, and I’m sure you’ll feel the same. Give it a try and make it your own kitchen classic!