One Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta (Easy Weeknight Dinner!)

If you’re looking for a fast, flavorful dinner that doesn’t require a sink full of dishes, this One Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta is about to become a weeknight favorite.

With just one pot and simple ingredients, you’ll have a creamy, slightly spicy pasta dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.

One Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta

This recipe features Cajun Style Sausage for big flavor with minimal effort, paired with tender penne pasta and a creamy tomato-based sauce. It’s one of those meals the whole family loves—even the picky eaters.

When I told my son I was blogging about this family-favorite, he told to me to make sure to tell y’all that it’s delicious, AND it is a bit spicy. So, here’s your warning, lol!

If you are sensitive to spice, feel free to switch out the Cajun sausage with a more mild flavor- like Italian style or polish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One pot means minimal cleanup
Ready in about 30 minutes
Comforting, creamy, and a little spicy
Easy to customize with what you have on hand
High in protein and packed with flavor

Ingredients (Serves 4)

1 package Cajun Style Sausage, sliced
Use fully-cooked Cajun-style sausage like Aidell’s or Hillshire Farms– its easy and gives a smoky and mildly spicy flavor, adding instant Cajun flavor to your dish without extra seasoning.

2 cups uncooked penne pasta
Penne holds up well in one-pot cooking and its ridges soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.

1 tablespoon olive oil
Used to sauté the sausage and vegetables, adding a rich base layer of flavor.

1 medium onion, chopped
Adds natural sweetness and depth to the sauce as it softens and caramelizes.

2 cloves garlic, minced
Brings bold, aromatic flavor—don’t skip it.

1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
These give the sauce a slight tang and body without being too watery.

1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
Creates the rich, creamy base of the sauce. Coconut cream gives a subtle tropical twist if you’re avoiding dairy.

1 cup chicken broth
Cooks the pasta right in the pot while adding savory depth to the sauce.

1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Enhances the smokiness and adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the sausage.

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For those who like EVEN MORE of a kick. Adjust or skip for a milder version.

Salt and pepper, to taste
Season the dish at the end after tasting to avoid over-salting.

Optional: Parmesan for topping
A sprinkle ofcheese takes this from simple to restaurant-style.

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté sausage and veggies
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until browned. Remove from the pot and set aside.

Add the chopped onion to the same pot and cook until soft, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Step 2: Cook pasta in the same pot
Add the uncooked penne, drained tomatoes, heavy cream, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine.

Season with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 3: Finish and serve
Return the sausage to the pot and stir everything together. Let it simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 more minutes, until heated through and creamy.

Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve hot, topped with chopped parsley and Parmesan if desired.

Prep and Cook Time

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate)

Calories: 540
Protein: 23g
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g

(Nutrition estimates are approximate and will vary based on exact ingredients used.)

Serving Suggestions

This hearty one-pot meal is perfect on its own, but you can round it out with a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette, garlic bread or keto-friendly rolls, or steamed green beans or roasted broccoli.

Make It Your Own

-Use rotini or bowtie pasta instead of penne
-Add chopped spinach or kale for extra greens
-Swap heavy cream with half and half or dairy-free alternatives
-Stir in some shredded chicken for extra protein

This is one of those easy dinners you can keep in your back pocket for busy nights. It’s warm, flavorful, and filling—and best of all, the whole family eats it up without complaint.

Fewer dishes, fast cleanup, and full bellies? That’s a win all around!

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