I still remember the first time I made Cajun Sausage Pasta for my crew. It was one of those chaotic weekdays where dinner needed to come together quickly but still pack a nutritious punch. I’d stumbled upon the recipe while scrolling through Pass Me Some Tasty’s one pot creamy Cajun sausage pasta and thought, “Why not give this spicy Cajun pasta a whirl?” My family’s eyes lit up with every bite, and the best part? This dish is a nutrition win wrapped in creamy, comforting goodness.
What surprised me most about this Cajun Sausage Pasta was how it supported everyone’s energy levels without piling on complicated ingredients. Between after-school activities and late nights, I needed meals that nourished and satisfied without stressing me out. This pasta hit the spot by combining the spice of Cajun seasoning with the protein-packed goodness of andouille sausage, all tied together with a creamy Cajun sauce that’s wholesome and avoids any stuffy additives.
My journey to perfect this Cajun Sausage Pasta wasn’t without trial and error. I learned to adjust the Cajun seasoning recipe to fit my family’s taste buds, dialing down the heat just a tad for my little ones while keeping it flavorful. Plus, swapping in whole grain pasta gave us added fiber and kept everyone full longer.
Fellow nutrition-seekers, if you’re looking for a sausage and pasta skillet meal that balances convenience, flavor, and nourishing ingredients, this Cajun Sausage Pasta recipe might just be your new secret weapon. It’s a simple nutrition solution that respects our busy lives without compromising on what we want our families to eat.
And if you love this kind of balanced meal, you might also enjoy similar family-friendly recipes like sausage and courgette pasta or the creamy goodness of cajun chicken pasta. Now, let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need for your own Cajun Sausage Pasta!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s a simple list to get your Cajun Sausage Pasta going. Trust me, this ingredient lineup is straightforward because busy moms need nutrition without complexity!
- 12 oz whole grain penne pasta – gives you fiber for slow energy release
- 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced – packs protein and flavor in every bite
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – heart-healthy fat to keep you nourished
- 1 small onion, diced – adds natural sweetness with vitamins and minerals
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – immune-supporting and family-friendly
- 1 green bell pepper, diced – extra fiber and vitamin C
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth – keeps salt in check but adds depth
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes – for a vitamin-rich, tangy base
- 1 cup light cream or coconut cream – creamiest Cajun sauce without heaviness
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning – make your own using this simple Cajun seasoning recipe or buy a low-sodium blend
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional) – adds color and a touch of freshness
No worries if you don’t have andouille sausage. I sometimes swap in turkey sausage for a leaner twist or even a smoked chicken sausage. You can find all these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store. This Cajun Sausage Pasta proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive or complicated.
Here’s a little prep shortcut: dice your veggies the night before or during the kids’ homework time. I like to cook the sausage and veggies in one pan, which saves on dishes and frees me up to prep tomorrow’s lunch.
My family appreciates the boost from adding a handful of spinach right into the sauce sometimes—secret greens go a long way with picky eaters! Now, let’s jump in to making this Cajun Sausage Pasta happen in your kitchen.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Ready to make this creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta? Let’s walk through it step-by-step, like we’re cooking side by side.
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the whole grain pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. In my busy kitchen, this usually takes about 10 minutes. Perfect time to chop those veggies if you haven’t yet!
2. While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced andouille sausage and sauté until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes. Your kitchen will start smelling like comfort and spice—that’s the Cajun magic at work!
3. Add diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with sausage. Cook until softened, roughly 4-5 minutes. This step builds the flavor base of your creamy Cajun sauce.
4. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. If you’re using homemade seasoning, make sure it’s balanced for your family’s spice tolerance. Stir everything together to coat the sausage and veggies evenly.
5. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and canned diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer. This helps meld those flavors beautifully while adding moisture for the sauce.
6. Stir in the light cream or coconut cream slowly, mixing well. The sauce should start to thicken and get that lovely creamy texture we love in Cajun dishes.
7. Drain your cooked pasta and fold it into the skillet sauce. Toss everything gently so that each piece of pasta is well coated with that creamy Cajun sauce.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remember, the andouille sausage is usually quite flavorful, so sample before adding extra salt.
9. Optional: Add a handful of fresh spinach or chopped parsley for an extra pop of color and nutrition. I’ve found that tossing in veggie greens here often sneaks in servings without the kids noticing.
10. Serve warm and watch your family dive in happily!
This Cajun Sausage Pasta feels like a comforting hug wrapped in a spicy, creamy package. Don’t worry if your sauce seems thinner initially—it thickens as it sits. Plus, cooking with whole grain pasta adds fiber, so it’s a win for family nutrition and digestion.
If your busy week calls for more recipes like this, I always recommend checking out the One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta by The Lazy Dish for an easy twist, or even the creamy Cajun shrimp and sausage pasta recipe from The Hungry Bluebird if you want to mix up your protein game.
Cooking this sausage and pasta skillet dish has been a welcome sanity-saving nutrition hack in my home, and I hope it becomes one in yours too.
How We Love to Eat This!

Our family loves this Cajun Sausage Pasta for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast. The creamy Cajun sauce feels indulgent but supports balance with protein and veggies. To make it even more kid-friendly, I serve it with a simple side of steamed green beans or a quick cucumber and tomato salad.
If your picky eaters like dipping, try adding some avocado slices on the side—it adds healthy fats and a cool creamy contrast to the spicy Cajun flavors.
This dish is perfect for casual family dinners but also works great for leftovers. I’ve learned that storing Cajun Sausage Pasta in airtight containers keeps it tasty for 2-3 days, making it a solid meal prep choice.
Seasonal versions have been a joy to experiment with too—I swap green peas or zucchini in summer, and roasted carrots or kale in colder months. Each variation brings new nutrients and keeps the family interested.
If you want to wow friends at a potluck, just double this recipe! Your guests will be impressed with this nutritious twist on a classic comfort meal.
For more dinner ideas that keep nutrition simple and tasty, also take a peek at my recipe for sausage sweet potato kale soup. It’s a nourishing crowd-pleaser just like this Cajun Sausage Pasta.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q: Is this Cajun Sausage Pasta nutritious enough for growing kids?
A: Yes! It balances protein from andouille sausage with fiber-filled whole grain pasta and added veggies. Plus, the creamy Cajun sauce uses light cream, making it nourishing without heaviness—perfect for growing bodies.
Q: What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Cajun Sausage Pasta?
A: I get it; picky eating is real. Try adding a handful of spinach or finely shredded zucchini into the sauce for hidden veggies. Also, reducing the Cajun seasoning for milder flavor at first can help ease their taste buds in. My kids love theirs with a mild hand and a little side of their favorite raw veggies.
Q: Can I meal prep this Cajun Sausage Pasta for busy weeks ahead?
A: Absolutely! It reheats well in the microwave or on stove top. Store it in airtight containers for up to three days. For even more meal prep options, check out my sausage and courgette pasta recipe or the cajun chicken pasta, both great for quick dinners.
Q: Can I make the Cajun seasoning recipe from scratch?
A: Yes! Making your own Cajun seasoning lets you control salt and spice levels. I often tweak it to suit my family, using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme. Here’s a reliable Cajun seasoning recipe that’s easy to follow.
Q: Is andouille sausage the only sausage that works?
A: Not at all. While andouille gives that classic spicy flavor, you can swap turkey sausage for leaner protein or even smoked chicken sausage. Each makes this sausage and pasta skillet wholesome and adaptable.
Q: How spicy is this spicy Cajun pasta?
A: The spice level depends on your Cajun seasoning. I recommend starting mild and adding more if your family tolerates heat well.
Q: Can I add other veggies to this dish?
A: Yes! The creamy Cajun sauce is forgiving. I often toss in diced zucchini, spinach, or even peas to sneak in extra nutrients. It’s an easy way to upgrade family nutrition without added effort.
Final Thoughts:
This Cajun Sausage Pasta has become a staple in our kitchen because it supports my family’s nutrition goals by balancing protein, whole grains, and veggies with flavor that everyone enjoys. It’s a practical choice when I want a sausage and pasta skillet that feels fancy but is fast and nourishing.
- Using whole grain pasta boosts fiber to keep energy steady
- Adding extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach sneaks in vitamins
- Controlling the Cajun seasoning heat helps the whole family enjoy it
We’ve tried several family-tested variations too: swapping andouille for turkey sausage, stirring in shrimp for surf & turf vibes, and using coconut cream for a dairy-free creamy Cajun sauce. My kids prefer it milder with turkey sausage, while my spouse loves the traditional spicy andouille version. It’s the beautiful chaos of creating meals that adapt to our family’s tastes and nutrition needs.
I encourage you to make this Cajun Sausage Pasta your own. Adjust the spice, sneak in your favorite produce, and savor those moments of dinnertime nutrition wins! Your family deserves meals that fuel their days without adding to your overwhelm.
If you find joy in this recipe, don’t forget to check out more nourishing meals like sausage and courgette pasta, cajun chicken pasta, and sausage sweet potato kale soup. We’re all in this together, and simple nutrition is absolutely doable!
Here’s to more nourishing chaos and meals that make your family feel cared for. You’ve got this.
Cajun Sausage Pasta
A flavorful and spicy Cajun Sausage Pasta combining smoky sausage, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy sauce for a hearty and quick dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 12 oz smoked Cajun sausage, sliced
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add sliced Cajun sausage. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add chopped onion, red and green bell peppers to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 4 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika over the sausage and vegetables, stirring to combine.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, bring to a simmer and let sauce reduce slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or serve with a side of crusty garlic bread.

