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; 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)

There’s something downright irresistible about a pasta dish that’s bursting with smoky, spicy flavor and wrapped up in a luscious, creamy sauce. This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe hits all those notes and then some — it’s comfort food with a little kick that I love making on busy weeknights.

A white plate with a brown rim holds a creamy pasta dish made of penne pasta coated in a light orange sauce. On top of the pasta, there are several round slices of browned sausage, thin strips of red and yellow bell peppers, and small pieces of mushrooms mixed throughout. The dish is garnished with chopped green parsley scattered over the pasta. A silver fork with a wooden handle rests on the left side of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with some green parsley pieces and a small white bowl of red chili flakes 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’ve made this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe more times than I can count, and it always impresses. The balance of bold Cajun spices and that dreamy creaminess makes it a real crowd-pleaser, plus it all comes together in one pot — less cleanup is always a win in my book.

One-pot ease: Everything cooks in the same pan, so you save time on washing up afterward.
Bold, smoky sausage flavor: Andouille sausage adds that perfect Cajun kick you’ll want seconds of.
Creamy, cozy sauce: Cream cheese melts beautifully into the broth to create a rich, velvety sauce that clings to every pasta piece.
Customizable heat level: You can dial up or down the spice to suit your family’s taste buds — or yours!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture. Using fresh veggies and authentic Cajun seasoning really sets this dish apart. Plus, a tip: opting for gluten-free penne keeps it accessible for friends who avoid gluten without losing any of the fun.

Flat lay of sliced andouille sausage medallions, fresh baby bella mushrooms thinly sliced, half a red bell pepper thinly sliced, half a yellow bell pepper thinly sliced, three large whole uncracked garlic cloves, uncooked gluten-free penne pasta, small white ceramic bowl of diced fire-roasted tomatoes, small white ceramic bowl of chicken broth, small white ceramic bowl of Cajun seasoning mix, chunks of fresh cream cheese on a simple white ceramic plate, small white ceramic bowl of salt, fresh Italian parsley sprigs, small white ceramic bowl of red pepper flakes 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 a spicy, smoky depth integral to the Cajun flavor profile.
Baby bella mushrooms: They add earthiness and absorb the spices beautifully while giving a meaty bite.
Red and yellow bell peppers: Bright colors and fresh sweetness balance the spice.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic amplifies the savory notes and layers the flavor.
Gluten-free penne pasta: Cooks right in the sauce and holds up well without becoming mushy.
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Adds a smoky, slightly tangy note that pairs perfectly with the sausage.
Chicken broth: The flavorful cooking liquid that brings everything together.
Cajun seasoning: The star spice blend that gives the dish its distinctive punch.
Cream cheese: Melts into the sauce, making it luxuriously creamy and comforting.
Salt and optional garnishes: Salt balances flavors, while parsley and red pepper flakes add freshness and extra kick.

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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 of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak just a little here or there to suit your cravings. I love adding an extra handful of fresh spinach for some greenery or swapping the andouille for spicy chicken sausage for a different protein punch.

Variation: When I want more heat, I sprinkle in extra red pepper flakes and sometimes a dash of cayenne — it really wakes the dish up!
Dairy-free option: Try swapping cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or coconut cream if you need a dairy-free version.
Veggie boost: Mushrooms and bell peppers are great, but feel free to add zucchini or kale for extra nutrition and texture.
Mild version: You can reduce Cajun seasoning or use a mild sausage to tone down the spice for kids or sensitive taste buds.

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

Two white ceramic plates with brown rims are filled with creamy pasta. The pasta is penne, pale beige in color, mixed with round slices of browned sausage, thin strips of red pepper, and mushrooms that have a light beige cap and darker gills. The sauce looks creamy orange with a smooth texture, coating the pasta and ingredients. Green parsley leaves are scattered on top for color. Each plate has a silver fork with a wooden handle placed to the side. The plates are set on a white marbled surface, with two glasses of light pink drink nearby. A small white bowl with red chili flakes is also on the side, with some flakes spilled slightly around it. A beige and gray textured cloth napkin is folded near the bottom plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Crisp up the sausage

Start by heating a large skillet or braiser over medium heat and adding the sliced andouille sausage. Let them sear until they get a lovely golden crust on both sides — about 4 minutes in total. This step unlocks that smoky, crispy texture that gives the dish its character. Then, remove the sausage and set aside on paper towels. Don’t throw out that flavorful oil — you’ll use it for cooking the veggies.

Step 2: Sauté mushrooms, peppers, and garlic

In the same skillet with the sausage drippings, toss in your sliced mushrooms, red and yellow bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté everything for about 3 minutes until the mushrooms start to brown — this gives you a beautiful base of flavor and aroma that smells like dinner is already ready!

Step 3: Combine pasta, tomatoes, broth, and Cajun seasoning

Next, add the gluten-free penne pasta right into the skillet along with the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning. Give everything a good stir to evenly distribute the ingredients. Then cover with a lid and bring the broth to a gentle boil — this cooks the pasta right in the sauce, soaking up all those spicy flavors.

Step 4: Simmer pasta until al dente

Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the pasta simmer uncovered for about 12-15 minutes. Remember to stir every couple of minutes to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom — you want it tender but with just the right al dente bite, so keep an eye on it.

Step 5: Melt in cream cheese and finish

Chop the cream cheese into chunks and stir it into the pasta mixture, allowing it to melt into a creamy, dreamy sauce. Once it’s fully melted and silky, add the sausage back into the skillet. Season with salt to taste, give everything one last big stir, sprinkle with fresh Italian parsley and red pepper flakes if you like, and dig in!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve found that following these little tips makes the Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe shine every single time — no surprises.

Sear sausage well: Getting a bit of a crust on the sausage is crucial for flavor — don’t rush this step.
Don’t overcook pasta: Keep stirring occasionally and taste the pasta as it cooks to avoid ending up with mush.
Room temperature cream cheese: Using cream cheese that’s not cold helps it melt smoothly and blend easily into the sauce.
Reserve sausage oil: That rendered fat is packed with flavor — using it to sauté veggies deepens the dish.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Cajun sausage pasta - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top the pasta with a sprinkle of fresh Italian parsley for a pop of green and a bit of brightness. If you like it spicy, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a perfect kick without overpowering. A little grated Parmesan wouldn’t hurt either if you want to add a cheesy finish.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of that creamy sauce. If you’re feeling indulgent, a side of sautéed green beans with lemon zest balances the richness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner guests, I’ve served this in little cast iron skillets straight from the stove — it keeps things warm and adds rustic charm. You can also plate it over a bed of fresh greens for a pasta salad-style option or spoon it into hollowed-out bell peppers for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before reheating, I find adding a splash of chicken broth or milk helps revive the creamy sauce and keeps it from getting too thick or sticky.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe with moderate success by portioning it into freezer-safe containers. When thawed, just warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often — the sauce may separate slightly, but a quick whisk usually brings it back together nicely.

Reheating

When reheating, I recommend reheating gently on the stovetop rather than the microwave to keep the sauce creamy and smooth. Add a little liquid, stir frequently, and heat until warmed through but not boiling.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe?

Absolutely! While andouille sausage gives that authentic Cajun flavor, you can swap in spicy Italian sausage, chorizo, or even chicken sausage depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure the sausage is fully cooked and crisped.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free penne pasta and a Cajun seasoning mix that doesn’t contain gluten, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Always double-check ingredient labels to be certain.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can make it dairy-free by replacing cream cheese with a coconut cream or plant-based cream cheese alternative, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different. Adding nutritional yeast can help boost a cheesy flavor too.

How spicy is this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe?

The heat level is moderate thanks to the Cajun seasoning and andouille sausage, but you can easily adjust it by using less seasoning or omitting red pepper flakes. If you prefer it spicier, feel free to add cayenne or hot sauce to taste.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe is one of those meals I keep coming back to because it’s satisfying in a way that feels both indulgent and homemade. It’s perfect for when you want something cozy but still full of flavor, and the fact that it all cooks in one pot makes it a no-brainer for busy evenings. I really hope you’ll give it a try — once you do, you’ll see why it’s become a favorite in my kitchen and maybe yours, too!