One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Penne

Name: One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Penne
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 ounces penne pasta; 1 pound Cajun sausage, sliced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Warm & Hearty Dishes

I absolutely love making One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Penne on busy weeknights. The creamy sauce, perfectly cooked penne, and savory sausage come together so effortlessly, and it makes for a satisfying meal that everyone in my family adores. With just one pot to clean, it’s ideal for those evenings when I want a delicious dinner without a lot of fuss. The combination of spices adds a warmth that’s truly comforting and inviting. It’s become a staple in our home, and I can’t wait for you to try it too!

Created by

Leo

Last updated on 2026-02-16T15:50:19.067Z

When I first tried making Cajun sausage penne, I learned that the key is all in the spices. By sautéing the sausage with the Cajun seasoning before adding the pasta, I ensure that every bite is bursting with flavor. The creaminess of the sauce balances the spices, creating a rich dish that doesn’t overwhelm the palate. I usually pair it with a side salad to round out the meal.

One tip I discovered is to use fresh bell peppers; they contribute a sweet crunch that complements the creamy texture beautifully. The entire dish comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze, and it’s just as tasty as leftovers the next day, which is a huge plus in my book!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy sauce that blends perfectly with the spices
Easy cleanup with just one pot used
Quick to make, ready in 30 minutes

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Pasta

Cooking the penne pasta properly is vital for achieving that ideal texture. Make sure to stir occasionally while it simmers in the chicken broth. This allows the pasta to absorb the flavorful liquid without becoming sticky. You’ll know it’s done when the pasta is al dente, typically after 12-15 minutes. If needed, taste a piece to ensure it has just a slight bite, which will enhance the overall dish.

Using a large pot helps distribute the heat evenly, ensuring that every piece of pasta cooks uniformly. A pot with a heavy bottom is particularly helpful as it prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom and burning. If your pot isn’t non-stick, consider giving it a light coat of oil before boiling to help with cleanup and to promote even cooking.

Enhancing Flavors with Spices

The Cajun seasoning is the star in this recipe, adding depth and warmth. If you want to adjust the heat level, consider making your own blend with paprika, cayenne pepper, and dried herbs like oregano and thyme. This way, you can control the spiciness exactly to your liking. Start with a teaspoon and taste as you go; you can always add more if you prefer a punchier flavor.

Incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or even a pinch of smoked paprika can elevate the dish further. I often toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the vegetables for an extra layer of complexity. Remember, the goal is to create a balanced flavor profile, so adjust spices gradually while cooking, and keep tasting.

Serving Suggestions and Leftovers

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Penne pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish. For a heartier side, consider garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the creamy sauce. A sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top can also add a delightful touch of umami.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to deepen as they sit. When reheating, do so gently on low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to ensure the sauce remains creamy and prevents it from drying out.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

12 ounces penne pasta
1 pound Cajun sausage, sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Sausage

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced Cajun sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.

Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot, add the diced bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are soft.

Add Pasta and Broth

Stir in the penne pasta and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 12-15 minutes until pasta is cooked through.

Finish with Cream

Once the pasta is tender, stir in the heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, and cooked sausage. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and let simmer for another 2 minutes.

Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm, enjoying the rich flavors in every bite.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider topping each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can’t find Cajun sausage, andouille sausage or any smoked sausage will work just as well, providing a similar flavor profile. For a vegetarian version, opt for plant-based sausage or even hearty mushrooms to give a savory depth. Additionally, for a lighter option, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk, although the sauce may be less rich and creamy.

Penne pasta can be swapped for other shapes like rigatoni or fusilli; just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary slightly. No bell pepper? Zucchini, spinach, or kale can provide a nice variation in texture and nutrition, making it easy to adapt based on what you have available.

Make-Ahead Tips

For a quick weeknight meal, consider prepping some components in advance. You can slice the sausage and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator for up to two days, making it easy to throw everything together during dinner. The beauty of this dish lies in its ease of preparation, and minimizing prep time can be a lifesaver on busy evenings.

If you’d like to prepare the entire recipe in advance, you can cook it and store it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to three days. When ready to eat, simply reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a little cream or broth to revive the sauce's consistency. This strategy allows you to enjoy a homemade dinner with minimal fuss later.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

A common issue when making creamy dishes is that the sauce can split if overheated. To avoid this, always lower the heat before adding the heavy cream and stir gently; simmering will yield a smooth sauce. If the sauce does curdle, remove it from the heat immediately and whisk vigorously to bring it back together, or even blend it to achieve a creamy texture.

If your pasta ends up too dry, don’t fret! Simply stir in some additional chicken broth or cream to moisten it. If the dish feels lacking, boost the flavors with more spices or a squeeze of lemon juice, which can help brighten up the richness of the sauce.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian sausage.

→ Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and cook the dish ahead; however, it's best served fresh for optimal creaminess.

→ Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Certainly! You can add spinach, mushrooms, or any other vegetables you enjoy for extra nutrition.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.