Description
Looking for a bold and creamy dinner that comes together fast? This 20-Minute One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a dream for busy nights. With smoky sausage, spiraled pasta, and a rich Cajun-spiced sauce, it’s hearty, comforting, and layered with flavor. Perfect for quick dinner ideas, easy recipes, or when you need a satisfying meal with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re after easy dinner recipes, weeknight comfort food, or creamy pasta dishes, this one-pot wonder checks all the boxes.
Ingredients
14 oz smoked sausage, sliced
8 oz fusilli pasta (or penne/rotini)
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups chicken broth
4 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, sear the sausage slices until browned on both sides. This step adds depth and smoky flavor to your base.
2. Add garlic and chopped red bell pepper to the pan. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and aromatic.
3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
4. Add uncooked fusilli pasta directly into the sauce. Cover the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese and Parmesan until fully melted and smooth. The sauce should be thick and creamy.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan before serving. Enjoy hot and fresh from the skillet!
Notes
Use a non-stick or enameled skillet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking as the sauce thickens.
Stir frequently while simmering to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Adjust seasoning last — Cajun blends vary, so taste before adding extra salt or heat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 930mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 120mg