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 about the rich, smoky flavors of sausage combined with a velvety sauce that just hits the spot — that’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe with you. It’s comfort food with a bit of a spicy kick, all packed into one satisfying pot that saves you time and cleanup.

A round white plate with a brown rim holds a serving of creamy penne pasta mixed with slices of browned sausage, red bell pepper strips, and mushrooms. The pasta is coated in a light orange creamy sauce, and small pieces of green parsley are scattered on top. A silver fork with a wooden handle rests on the left edge of the plate. The background is a white marbled surface with some scattered parsley leaves and a small white bowl of red chili flakes near the bottom right. 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 can’t tell you how many times this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe has saved me on nights when I wanted something hearty, flavorful, and fuss-free. The blend of spices and creamy sauce always feels like a warm hug after a busy day.

One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup since everything cooks in one skillet — my busy self appreciates that!
Bold Flavors: The Cajun seasoning and fire-roasted tomatoes pack just the right amount of spice and smokiness.
Creamy Comfort: Cream cheese melts into a luscious sauce that coats every bite perfectly.
Versatile & Customizable: You can tweak the heat level or swap out veggies to suit your mood or pantry.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe feels simple but every ingredient plays its part in building that signature creamy, spicy, and savory profile. A quick tip: look for good-quality andouille sausage to get authentic smoky flavor. Fresh veggies add brightness and texture, while the cream cheese keeps everything lusciously smooth.

Flat lay of sliced andouille sausage medallions, fresh baby bella mushrooms thinly sliced, half a medium red bell pepper thinly sliced, half a medium yellow bell pepper thinly sliced, three whole uncracked large garlic cloves, gluten-free penne pasta, small white bowl of diced fire-roasted tomatoes, small white bowl of chicken broth, small white bowl of Cajun seasoning mix, chunks of cream cheese, small white bowl of coarse salt, fresh Italian parsley sprigs, small white bowl of red pepper flakes, all arranged symmetrically 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: Its smoky, spicy character is the star here — don’t skimp on quality.
Baby Bella Mushrooms: They soak up flavors and give the dish an earthy depth.
Red & Yellow Bell Peppers: Provide sweetness and color contrast, balancing the Cajun spices.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic unlocks aroma and enhances the whole dish’s savory notes.
Gluten-Free Penne Pasta: Holds sauce well and is a safe bet if you’re avoiding gluten.
Diced Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Adds smoky brightness and a subtle tang that complements the sausage.
Chicken Broth: Builds the base to cook pasta and infuses flavor.
Cajun Seasoning: Provides depth and that unmistakable Louisiana-style kick.
Cream Cheese: Melts into a rich, creamy sauce that hugs every ingredient.
Salt & Optional Garnishes: Salt balances the flavors; fresh parsley and red pepper flakes add freshness and heat.

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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

One thing I love about this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to tailor. Over time, I’ve added my own tweaks — and I encourage you to do the same depending on what flavors you love or dietary needs you have.

Variation: Once, I swapped out half the sausage for grilled chicken for a lighter version, and honestly, the sauce still stole the show.
Adjust the Heat: If you prefer it milder, dial back the Cajun seasoning or skip the red pepper flakes — but if you love heat, feel free to add more!
Veggie Boost: Try adding spinach or kale at the end for extra greens without changing the flavor much.
Dairy-Free Version: You can swap cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative, but it might change the richness slightly.

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

Two white plates with brown rims are filled with creamy pasta made of short tube-shaped noodles. The pasta is mixed with slices of browned sausage, orange and red bell pepper strips, and light brown mushroom pieces. Chopped green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding fresh color. The sauce looks smooth and creamy, coating every ingredient. Each plate has a silver fork with a wooden handle placed on the edge. The scene has two clear glasses with a light pink drink and a small white bowl filled with reddish chili flakes on a white marbled surface. A white cloth with black stripes is folded near one plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Searing the Sausage to Perfection

Start by slicing your andouille sausage into medallions and heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and let it sear undisturbed for about 2 minutes per side until the edges get crispy and golden. This step locks in flavor and renders that delicious fat you’ll use to cook the veggies. Be sure not to rush it — those crispy edges are pure flavor gems! Once done, transfer the sausage onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 2: Sautéing the Veggies in Sausage Goodness

Using the same skillet (don’t drain that sausage oil!), toss in the sliced mushrooms, red and yellow bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the mushrooms brown lightly and the peppers soften a bit. The garlic will release its aroma here — it smells amazing, trust me!

Step 3: Bringing it All Together

Next, add your gluten-free penne pasta, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning to the skillet. Stir everything gently to combine, then cover with a lid and bring it up to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir every few minutes to keep the pasta from sticking and to check for doneness — you want al dente pasta with the broth mostly absorbed.

Step 4: Making the Sauce Irresistibly Creamy

When the pasta is cooked through, add chunks of cream cheese directly to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce thickens to a luscious creaminess that coats the pasta and veggies beautifully. This is the magic moment that turns this dish into a rich comfort meal.

Step 5: Finishing Touches and Serving

Stir your crispy sausage medallions back into the skillet and season with salt to taste. Give everything one final, big stir to distribute flavors evenly. If you like, sprinkle some fresh chopped Italian parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes on top before serving — these little garnishes add freshness and an extra layer of heat that elevates the whole dish.

Top Tip

After making this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe many times, I’ve found a few small tricks that really make a difference — from maximizing flavor to perfect texture.

Don’t Skip the Sausage Oil: Use the flavorful fat left in the pan after searing sausage to sauté your veggies — it adds smoky depth.
Stir Regularly: While simmering the pasta, stir every couple of minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Cream Cheese at the End: Adding cream cheese last keeps it luscious and prevents it from separating.
Test Your Pasta: Check pasta tenderness near the end — timing can vary slightly depending on the pasta brand.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Cajun sausage pasta - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top mine with chopped fresh Italian parsley to brighten up the rich sauce and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to give it just the right zing of heat. Sometimes I add a few shaved Parmesan curls if I’m in an extra indulgent mood — it melts into the sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

To balance the creaminess, I often serve this pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is always a win too — perfect for mopping up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve tried serving this recipe in individual cast-iron skillets for casual dinner parties. Everyone loves the rustic presentation, and it keeps the dish warm longer. For a fun weeknight spin, I sometimes stuff it into bell peppers and bake them — turning it into an easy bake ‘n’ serve meal that’s neat and flavorful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend reheating gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce and avoid drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this creamy pasta a couple of times and it freezes well as long as you reheat it slowly to prevent the sauce from breaking. Portion it out before freezing for easy grab-and-go meals.

Reheating

When reheating, add a little chicken broth or water and warm over medium-low heat, stirring often until everything is heated through and creamy again. Avoid the microwave for best texture but it works in a pinch!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! While andouille sausage gives that signature smoky Cajun flavor, you can substitute with smoked kielbasa or even a spicy Italian sausage if you prefer.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Using gluten-free penne pasta makes this dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters. Just be sure to check your Cajun seasoning and sausage labels for any hidden gluten ingredients.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

You can try swapping the cream cheese for a vegan or dairy-free alternative and replacing sausage with plant-based “sausage” or mushrooms for extra heartiness, but it will change the flavor profile a bit.

How spicy is this dish?

The level of spice comes mostly from the Cajun seasoning and optional red pepper flakes. It has a moderate kick that can be adjusted up or down by adding more or less seasoning according to your taste.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe has a special spot on my weeknight rotation because it delivers bold, comforting flavors without hours in the kitchen. It’s easy enough for busy nights yet impressive enough to share with friends. I genuinely hope you give it a try and find the same cozy satisfaction I always do — plus, it’s fun to make it your own along the way!