Some of the most loved meals are the ones that come together in a single pot — simple, comforting, and full of bold flavor without leaving a pile of dishes behind. Those are the recipes that feel like a small gift on busy days, when you want something hearty and homemade but don’t have the energy for anything complicated.
I still remember the first time I experimented with Cajun-style flavors at home. The warm spices, the gentle heat, and that unmistakable savory aroma instantly made the kitchen feel lively and inviting. When paired with a creamy sauce and tender pasta, those flavors transform into something truly comforting — rich, satisfying, and impossible to resist.
That’s exactly what this One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta delivers. Made with flavorful chicken or turkey sausage, creamy sauce, pasta, and Cajun seasoning, it’s a cozy, family-friendly meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make. At Maison Recipes, this is the kind of recipe I love sharing — approachable, flavorful, and perfect for real life.
Why Make This Recipe
This one pot Cajun sausage pasta deserves a spot in your weekly rotation because:
- Everything cooks in one pot — minimal cleanup
- Rich, creamy, and comforting
- Bold Cajun flavor without being overpowering
- Quick and filling — ready in about 30 minutes
- Family-friendly with adjustable spice level
- Perfect for leftovers and meal prep
If you love creamy pasta dishes with a little kick and lots of flavor, this one checks all the boxes.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz chicken or turkey sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups dry pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work well)
Liquids:
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
Seasonings:
- 1 ½ tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust based on sausage and Cajun seasoning)
Creamy Finish:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 2 tbsp cream cheese for extra creaminess
Optional Add-Ins:
- Bell peppers
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan
Directions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced chicken or turkey sausage.
- Cook until lightly browned on both sides.
- Remove sausage and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pot, add diced onion.
- Cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
- Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour in chicken broth and milk or cream.
- Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
- Add dry pasta directly into the pot.
- Stir well to submerge the pasta.
- Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
- Return the sausage to the pot.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and optional cream cheese.
- Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until creamy and well combined.
- Adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
This dish is hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
- A crisp green salad
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
- Simple cucumber or tomato salad
It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or cozy nights in.
How to Store One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of milk or broth.
- Freeze: Not recommended — creamy sauces may separate.
Tips to Make the Best Cajun Sausage Pasta
- Use chicken or turkey sausage only to keep it pork-free.
- Stir occasionally so the pasta cooks evenly.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning — brands vary in salt and heat.
- Add greens at the end so they stay bright and fresh.
- Don’t boil aggressively after adding dairy.
- Let it rest 5 minutes — the sauce thickens beautifully.
Variations
- Spicy version: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Veggie-packed: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
- Extra creamy: Add more cream cheese or extra Parmesan.
- Protein swap: Use shrimp or chicken instead of sausage.
- Low-carb: Use low-carb pasta or zucchini noodles.
- Dairy-free: Use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
FAQs
1. What kind of sausage should I use?
Use chicken or turkey sausage — smoked or Cajun-style works best.
2. Is Cajun seasoning spicy?
It can be mild or spicy depending on the brand. Start small and adjust.
3. Can I cook the pasta separately?
You can, but cooking it in the sauce adds more flavor and creaminess.
4. Will the sauce thicken as it cools?
Yes — add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.
Conclusion
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is the kind of recipe that makes busy nights easier and cozier. Bold Cajun spices, creamy sauce, tender pasta, and flavorful sausage all come together in one pot for a meal that feels comforting and exciting at the same time.
I hope this dish brings warmth to your table and becomes one of those dependable recipes you reach for again and again. Simple, satisfying, and full of flavor — just the way home cooking should be. Happy cooking!
One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz chicken or turkey sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups dry pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
Liquids
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
Seasonings
- 1.5 tsp Cajun seasoning adjust to taste
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp salt adjust based on sausage and seasoning
Creamy Finish
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp cream cheese optional for extra creaminess
Optional Add‑Ins
- bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms optional
Garnish
- fresh parsley for serving
- extra Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium‑high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until lightly browned, about 3–4 minutes.
- Remove the sausage and set it aside. In the same pot, add diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and milk or cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the dry pasta directly into the pot. Stir well to submerge the pasta. Cover and cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
- Return the browned sausage to the pot. Stir in the grated Parmesan and optional cream cheese until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.