One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta with Cheddar

Name: One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta with Cheddar
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, for garnish

Highlighted under: Easy Everyday Meals

I adore quick and tasty meals, and this One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta with Cheddar never disappoints. With just a handful of ingredients and a single pot, we can create a hearty dish that's bursting with flavor. The spicy kick from the Cajun seasoning perfectly complements the richness of the cream and cheese. I love how it all comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option. You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up such a comforting and delightful meal!

Created by

Ethan

Last updated on 2026-02-17T14:26:19.574Z

When I first experimented with this recipe, I was unsure how the flavors would meld. I included a few dashes of Cajun seasoning and was pleasantly surprised by how it elevated the dish. The combination of creamy cheese and zesty spices creates a perfect harmony that keeps us coming back for more!

One of my best tips is to let the pasta rest for a minute after cooking. This allows the sauce to thicken and stick to the pasta, making each bite rich and flavorful. Trust me, it makes all the difference!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy texture with a spicy kick
One-pot cleanup makes it a breeze
Quick prep and cooking time for busy nights

Flavor Profile and Texture

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is designed to deliver a rich and satisfying flavor experience. The combination of smoked sausage with the Cajun seasoning introduces a smoky heat that elevates the dish. With each bite, you're met with a creamy texture from the heavy cream and melted cheddar, creating a contrast that is both comforting and indulgent. To enhance this experience, make sure to use sharp cheddar for its bold flavor that cuts through the creaminess, ensuring each mouthful is packed with a delightful zing.

The addition of sautéed onions and bell peppers adds not only color but also a natural sweetness that balances the spice of the dish. It's crucial to sauté these ingredients until they're softened and lightly caramelized, which takes about 3-4 minutes. This brief cooking time ensures they maintain some structure and do not become mushy, which could detract from the overall texture of the pasta.

When it comes to the pasta cooking phase, it's essential to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the broth comes to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer. This gentle simmer allows the pasta to absorb the flavorful broth while cooking evenly, resulting in an al dente texture. Aim for that perfect bite—soft but with a slight resistance.

Cooking Techniques and Tips

This recipe shines due to its one-pot cooking method, which is not only convenient but also enhances flavor development. Searing the sausage first not only browns the meat, creating a savory base but also allows those delicious browned bits to infuse deeper flavor once the liquids are added. Keep an eye on the sausage to prevent overcooking; a good browning should only take about 5 minutes. Adjust your heat as needed—medium works well here, but don’t hesitate to lower it if things start to brown too quickly.

Adding garlic at the end of the vegetable cooking process is key to ensuring its flavor remains vibrant. Garlic can quickly become bitter if overcooked, so just a minute should suffice to release its aromatic oils. This tip holds especially true when cooking in one pot, where residual heat continues to cook the garlic after it's added, ensuring it melds seamlessly into the dish without losing its punch.

When mixing in the cheddar cheese, ensure that the pot is removed from heat. This helps avoid clumping and promotes a smooth melty consistency, which is what you want in a creamy dish. Don’t rush this part; allow the cheese to gradually melt into the pasta over a minute or so for a luscious finish.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz penne pasta
1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
1 medium onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Sausage and Vegetables

In a large pot over medium heat, cook the sliced sausage until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, approximately 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Add Ingredients

Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and penne pasta. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is tender.

Finish with Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Let it rest for a minute before serving to thicken.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy your delicious one-pot meal!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding some diced tomatoes or a splash of hot sauce when mixing in the pasta. Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your heat preference to suit your taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to make this dish a bit lighter, feel free to substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk. Just be aware that using half-and-half will yield a lighter sauce, while coconut milk will introduce a subtle sweetness that can complement the Cajun seasoning. Should you prefer a meatless version, consider using plant-based sausage substitutes or even chickpeas for protein without the meat flavors.

For those with dairy sensitivities, try using dairy-free cheese for a similar creamy texture. Nutritional yeast can also be a great addition, lending a cheesy flavor while keeping the dish dairy-free. Additionally, if you're watching your carbohydrate intake, you might opt for a gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as gluten-free pasta may have different cooking durations.

Serving and Storing Tips

This pasta dish is best served right away, making it a fabulous choice for a quick weeknight dinner. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water can revitalize the creaminess, as the pasta may absorb sauce during storage. Warm gently over medium heat to avoid curdling the cheese.

If you're planning to scale up this recipe, be conscious of the pot size. Doubling the recipe might require a larger pot to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking. Additionally, if you're cooking for a crowd, serving this pasta with a side salad or some garlic bread enhances the meal and allows guests to customize their experience with more flavors.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can substitute with any type of pasta you have on hand, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

→ Is there a way to make this dish healthier?

You can use turkey sausage and reduce the amount of cream for a lighter version. Adding more vegetables like spinach or zucchini can also boost the nutritional value.

→ Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time. Just reheat in a pot on low heat, adding a bit of broth if it becomes too thick.

→ What can I use instead of cheddar?

Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a different flavor profile.