Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta: A Bold, Comforting Weeknight Favourite with a Silky, Spicy Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is the perfect blend of richness, spice, and comfort. The smoky heat from Cajun seasoning pairs beautifully with tender pasta and savoury sausage, all coated in a velvety cream sauce that feels indulgent without being complicated. It’s a one-pan style meal that delivers huge flavour with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy nights or casual entertaining. When I tested this recipe, I lightened the sauce slightly with almond milk, and it still turned out wonderfully creamy while allowing the Cajun spices to truly shine. This dish brings restaurant-quality flavour to your home kitchen in under an hour.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Smoked sausage
Adds bold savoury flavour with a hint of smokiness that blends beautifully with Cajun spices.

Pasta
Penna, rigatoni, or rotini work well because they hold the creamy sauce in every curve and ridge.

Onion
Provides aromatic sweetness and depth to the base of the sauce.

Garlic
Essential for building rich flavour and balancing the Cajun seasoning.

Cajun seasoning
The star of the dish—smoky, spicy, and aromatic. It transforms simple ingredients into something irresistible.

Tomato paste
Adds body, richness, and a subtle tang that complements the cream.

Heavy cream or half-and-half
Creates the luxurious, velvety sauce that coats every piece of pasta.

Chicken broth
Thins the sauce slightly and infuses it with savoury warmth.

Parmesan cheese
Melts into the sauce for added creaminess and subtle nutty flavour.

Butter or olive oil
Used for sautéing and enhancing richness.

Fresh parsley or green onions
Adds a bright, fresh finish to balance the creamy heat.

Directions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a small amount of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside. Add onion to the same skillet and sauté until softened, followed by garlic.

Stir in Cajun seasoning and tomato paste, allowing the spices to toast briefly for fuller flavour. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring until smooth and gently simmering. Add Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.

Return the sausage to the skillet, then fold in the cooked pasta. Toss until everything is coated in the creamy Cajun sauce. Add pasta water as needed to adjust thickness. Finish with fresh parsley or green onions and serve warm.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people. Prep time takes about 10 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 20–25 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying dinner option.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess. Microwave reheating works but may thicken the sauce, so stir occasionally. Freezing is not recommended due to the cream-based sauce.

Variations and Customizations

Extra Spicy Cajun Pasta
Add red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne for more heat.

Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta
Add sliced cooked chicken breast or thighs for extra protein.

Vegetable-Loaded Version
Stir in bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for colour and freshness.

Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Swap sausage for shrimp or use both for a seafood twist.

Lighter Sauce Option
Use half-and-half or almond milk for a less heavy but still creamy sauce.

Cheesy Cajun Pasta
Fold in extra Parmesan or shredded cheddar for a thicker, richer sauce.

One-Pot Cajun Pasta
Cook the pasta directly in the sauce for fewer dishes and an even creamier texture.

Smoked Gouda Upgrade
Add smoked Gouda for a deeper, smokier flavour profile.

Andouille Cajun Pasta
Use Andouille sausage for the most authentic, fiery Cajun taste.

Creamy Cajun Vodka Sauce
Add a splash of vodka to the sauce before simmering for a sophisticated twist.

FAQs

Is Andouille sausage required for this recipe?

Can I make this dish mild instead of spicy?

Can I substitute gluten-free pasta?

How do I prevent the cream from curdling?

Can I make the sauce dairy-free?

Does this pasta freeze well?

What vegetables pair best with Cajun flavours?

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

What can I serve with Cajun sausage pasta?

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a bold, satisfying, and incredibly easy dish that brings warmth and excitement to any dinner table. With its perfectly spiced sauce, tender pasta, and smoky sausage, it feels indulgent while still being wonderfully approachable. Customisable to any spice level or preference, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your home. Serve it on a busy weeknight or as a comforting weekend meal—you’ll find it irresistible every time.

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