Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Skillet

Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Skillet is that irresistible one-pan weeknight dinner that checks every box comfort quick cleanup and deep rich flavor. When you need something warming and just a little bit bold this dish delivers with smoky sausage plenty of veggies and a velvety spicy sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. It always gets cheers at my table and best of all you only need a handful of ingredients and half an hour.

I first threw this together on a wild weeknight when I had barely any time and the kids declared it the best pasta ever now it is my emergency dinner superhero

Gather Your Ingredients

• Olive oil: for sautéing and helping the sausage crisp choose a good extra-virgin for flavor
• Smoked sausage: the backbone of this recipe opt for beef or andouille for max flavor look for tight casing and even color
• Small onion: gives sweetness and depth the more golden it cooks the better the base
• Bell pepper: adds color crunch and essential Cajun notes choose red yellow or green depending on what is ripe and sweet
• Garlic: delivers aromatic punch always use fresh and mince fine for even flavor
• Chicken broth: helps the pasta cook in one pot plus adds savory background use low sodium so seasoning is easier to control
• Heavy cream: brings the ultimate richness if you want a lighter feel swap with half and half but full cream gives it true comfort
• Canned diced tomatoes: for tang and body look for ones with no added sugar and check for firmness in the can
• Penne pasta: catches the sauce in every tube any short pasta works but penne stands up to creamy finishes best
• Cajun seasoning: makes this distinctly Southern choose a blend with no fillers and watch salt content
• Salt: always taste as you go a pinch can make all the difference
• Chopped parsley: for fresh color and a pop of herbal brightness flat-leaf is best whenever you can find it

How to Make It

Sauté the Sausage and Veggies:

Start by heating olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat let it shimmer but not smoke for a golden base. Add the sliced smoked sausage in a single layer. Resist the urge to stir too soon let it sit to brown about five minutes. Once it develops crisp edges toss in the diced onion and bell pepper. Stir them through scraping up any browned sausage bits from the pan. This builds the flavor foundation. Cook until the veggies are soft and the onions are just turning golden, add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about one minute until fragrant but not burnt.

Add Liquids and Pasta:

Pour in the chicken broth directly over the sausage and vegetable mix. Add heavy cream and canned diced tomatoes including all the juices. This steams the pasta and makes the sauce. Next stir in the Cajun seasoning and a little salt. Mix thoroughly then scatter your uncooked penne over the mixture. Stir until the pasta is submerged. You want everything mingling so the flavors infuse as the pasta cooks.

Simmer:

Cover the skillet snugly and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook undisturbed for about twelve to fifteen minutes. Gently stir every few minutes to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom and to make sure it cooks evenly. When the pasta is just tender and the sauce thick and creamy you know it is ready.

Finish and Serve:

Uncover the skillet and give everything a good stir. Add grated Parmesan cheese and squeeze in a little lemon juice right before serving. The lemon cuts through the richness. Sprinkle with a handful of chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve piping hot straight from the skillet.

My absolute favorite part is the way the Cajun seasoning melds into the cream my kids always try to guess all the spices and every time I make this just seeing everyone hover around the stove with their forks makes it feel like a cozy weekend meal even on the busiest weekday

Flavor Boosters

Levels up with leftovers like cooked chicken or shrimp tossed in.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad tossed with lemony vinaigrette to balance the bold creamy flavors. Garlicky toasted bread makes a dreamy side soak up all that sauce. For special nights a glass of chilled white wine works wonders here.

Creative Twists

Swap smoked sausage with turkey kielbasa or even plant-based sausage if you want to keep things lighter. Use rotini or rigatoni if you are out of penne just keep cooking times similar. Canned tomatoes with green chiles can add extra kick or try fire-roasted tomatoes for deep smoky notes.

Always add fresh parsley at the end its herbal brightness balances the richness beautifully

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute smoked sausage with andouille or another favorite sausage for a similar flavor and texture.

→ How can I adjust the spice level?

Control the spice by varying the amount of Cajun seasoning, or add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

→ What other proteins can I add?

Try adding cooked shrimp or chicken to boost protein and add new layers of flavor to the dish.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it reheats well. Store in an airtight container in the fridge and add a splash of broth when reheating.

→ Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely. Penne works well, but rotini, rigatoni, or shells are also great options for holding the creamy sauce.