Comfort Food Pasta

Introduction

The first time I made this, the kitchen smelled like Sunday supper—smoky sausage, garlic, and a little heat from the tomatoes. Today I want to show you my One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta that always pulls the family to the table. This always takes me back to Sunday dinners. If you love bold, cozy meals, you might also peek at my notes on delicious creamy coconut cake for a sweet finish.

Why You’ll Love This

• Quick weeknight comfort: one pan, little cleanup.
• Rich and creamy, yet bright from diced chilies.
• Budget-friendly: pantry staples stretch well.
• Kid-approved when you tame the heat a touch.
• Meal-prep friendly—reheats surprisingly well; pair with a simple dessert idea.

Quick Recipe Snapshot

• Servings: 4 generous bowls
• Prep time: 8 minutes
• Cook time: 18 minutes
• Total time: 26 minutes
• Skill level: Easy
• Taste: smoky + creamy + mildly spicy

This one-pan method builds confidence fast, so don’t worry—you’ll get a saucy, cheesy pasta in under half an hour. Also, if you want tips on pairing flavors, see my quick notes on creamy recipes for ideas.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 (13oz) pack cajun andouille sausage ((cut into coins))
• 1 tbsp chopped garlic
• 1 (14.5oz) can chicken broth ((about 2 cups))
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 (10oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and chilies
• 8 ounces dry bowtie pasta ((½ pound or approximately 2 cups))
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp cajun seasoning (*see notes)

Chef notes:

• Fresh garlic = bigger flavor
• Use low-sodium broth to control salt
• Andouille gives the best smoky bite
• Bowtie pasta holds sauce well

How to Make It

1. First, heat a large skillet over medium. Add the sliced andouille; you’ll hear a happy sizzle. Brown for about 5 minutes until edges look golden.
2. Then, scoop the sausage onto a paper-towel-lined plate. Do not wipe out the pan—leave the flavorful grease.
3. Next, add the chopped garlic to the pan and sauté in the sausage grease for about 1 minute until fragrant. You should smell the garlic bloom.
4. Meanwhile, pour in the chicken broth, Rotel, heavy cream, and sprinkle in the cajun seasoning. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. At this stage your One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta starts to smell like dinner.
5. Now stir in the dry bowtie pasta, push it so it’s mostly submerged, cover with a lid, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 14 minutes, stirring once or twice so pasta cooks evenly. Look for tender pasta and sauce thickening.
6. Then return the browned sausage to the pan and stir. Scatter 2 cups shredded cheddar over the hot pasta and stir until melty and silky. The sauce should cling to the pasta, not swim in liquid.
7. Finally, taste and adjust with a pinch more cajun seasoning or salt. Serve hot, and enjoy the creamy, smoky flavors together.

Kitchen Tips (From My Kitchen)

1. Time-saver: Slice sausage while the pan heats so browning starts fast.
2. Common mistake + fix: If pasta looks dry before done, add 1/4 cup water and cover again.
3. Simple variation: Stir in chopped parsley or swap cheddar for pepper jack for more heat.

Serving Ideas

• Weeknight dinner: a hearty bowl with a green salad and crusty bread.
• Casual brunch: top with a fried egg and scallions for richness.
• Potluck or game day: keep warm in a slow cooker and serve family-style.
• Holiday side: spoon onto roasted vegetables for extra comfort.
• Garnish ideas: chopped parsley, extra shredded cheddar, or a squeeze of lime.

Storing & Leftovers

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months (cheese may change texture).
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to revive creaminess.
  Leftover idea: Turn into a cheesy pasta skillet sandwich with toasted bread.

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

A warm and cozy one-pan pasta dish featuring smoky sausage, creamy sauce, and a hint of spice.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 8 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Total Time 26 minutes mins

Servings: 4 bowls

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 550

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pack 1 (13oz) pack cajun andouille sausage, cut into coins Andouille gives the best smoky bite
• 1 tbsp 1 tbsp chopped garlic Fresh garlic = bigger flavor
• 2 cups 1 (14.5oz) can chicken broth Use low-sodium broth to control salt
• ½ cup ½ cup heavy cream Use half-and-half for a lighter option
• 1 can 1 (10oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and chilies
• 8 ounces 8 ounces dry bowtie pasta Bowtie pasta holds sauce well
• 2 cups 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Can substitute with pepper jack for more heat
• 1 tsp 1 tsp cajun seasoning Adjust to taste

Method

 

Preparation

1. Heat a large skillet over medium. Add the sliced andouille and brown for about 5 minutes until edges look golden.
2. Scoop the sausage onto a paper-towel-lined plate, leaving the flavorful grease in the pan.
3. Add the chopped garlic to the pan and sauté in the sausage grease for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, Rotel, heavy cream, and sprinkle in the cajun seasoning. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Stir in the dry bowtie pasta, push it so it’s mostly submerged, cover with a lid, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 14 minutes, stirring once or twice.
6. Return the browned sausage to the pan and stir. Scatter 2 cups shredded cheddar over the hot pasta and stir until melty and silky.
7. Taste and adjust with a pinch more cajun seasoning or salt. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Freeze in portions for up to 2 months; reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to revive creaminess.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes, cook fully, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat gently with a splash of broth.

Q: Substitutions?
A: Swap andouille for smoked kielbasa or chicken sausage; use half-and-half instead of heavy cream if needed.

Q: How do I know it’s done?
A: Pasta should be tender yet firm; sauce will coat the bowties and cling slightly.

Q: Can I freeze One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta?
A: Yes, freeze in airtight portions, then thaw overnight and reheat slowly; add liquid if it seems dry.

Final Thoughts

I make this One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta when I want bold flavor with minimal fuss. Try it as written, then tweak the heat or cheese to make it yours. I hope it becomes a cozy go-to in your kitchen—One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta.

Conclusion

If you’d like another writer’s version to compare techniques, check Pass Me Some Tasty’s One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for a slightly different spin. Also, take a look at The Lazy Dish’s One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for more shortcut ideas.