May 11, 2023
Review RecipeCajun Pasta

Table of Contents
If you’re ready for a mouthwatering, spicy experience, look no further than this Cajun pasta. It’s a flavor explosion in your mouth packed with smoky spices, spicy sausage, and a creamy sauce to coat the tender pasta that is sure to make the perfect addition to your weeknight menu.

Cajun Pasta Ingredients

Cajun pasta is the perfect blend of all those mouth-watering flavors characteristic of Cajun cuisine.
Its subtle kick of spice adds depth and wakes up your taste buds, while its creamy tomato sauce creates a smooth and inviting background for the generous helping of sausage and tender pasta.
To make this flavorful pasta dish, you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 leek chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 2 spicy sausages sliced (I use already cooked sausages, but you can also use raw sausages)
- 4 cups of penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1 (28-ounce) can of diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
- 3½ cups of chicken broth
- 4 ounces of cream cheese
- 3 green onions, sliced
PRO TIP:
Note that you are adding the pasta to the pan uncooked. It will cook while simmering with the rest of the ingredients.
Substitutions and Additions
SAUSAGE: You can use any type of sausage: Italian, chicken jalapeño, chorizo, and andouille sausage are all excellent choices.
LEEKS: If you don’t have a leek, you can use an onion instead in this one-pot pasta.
CAJUN SEASONING: You can find this seasoning in the spice aisle of your grocery store, or you can make your own Cajun spice blend with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin. You can also use Mexican or Creole seasoning instead.
PASTA: You can use any short pasta that you like for this easy dinner recipe.
DICED TOMATOES: You can also use diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel) for a little extra spice in this one-pot Cajun pasta.
SPICY: If you want more heat, add some red pepper flakes to the dish to increase the spice level.
CHICKEN: You can add shredded chicken instead of sausages to the pasta if you want.
VEGETARIAN: If you want to make this dish vegetarian, you can omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms, red or green bell peppers, or zucchini.
How to Make This Cajun Pasta Recipe
This Cajun pasta is easy to make, especially since it all comes together in a single pan.
The first step is to sauté the veggies and sausages before adding the rest of the ingredients. Don’t forget that you are adding the pasta to the pan uncooked.
Once it all simmers away and the pasta is tender, you are ready to serve this delicious dish.
STEP ONE: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the leek, garlic, and sausages. Cook for 5 minutes. If using raw sausage, cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the sausages are thoroughly cooked.

STEP TWO: Add the pasta, diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and broth. Stir and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 15 minutes, until the liquid is almost gone and the pasta noodles are al dente.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
Al dente is the ideal consistency for pasta. The pasta will be tender and will still have a slightly firm texture when you bite into it.

STEP THREE: Add the cream cheese and mix gently to combine all the ingredients.

STEP FOUR: Remove from heat and sprinkle with green onions.
PRO TIP:
A sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top is always a favorite with any pasta.
STEP FIVE: Serve hot.
How To Serve
This creamy Cajun pasta is just begging for some sides to dress it up. Serve it with a delicious, crunchy tomato cucumber salad. A creamy classic coleslaw would also be a light, crunchy side dish that will balance the heat nicely.
For something extra hearty, try making a batch of crunchy garlic bread that can be dipped into the creamy Cajun sauce.
For even more flavorful pasta dishes, our one-pot chicken fajita pasta and taco pasta are two of our favorites.
MORE PASTA RECIPES
Storage
IN THE FRIDGE: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure it is completely cooled before placing it in the fridge.
IN THE FREEZER: This easy pasta recipe can be frozen for up to 4 months in an airtight container. Allow the dish to cool completely before placing it in the freezer.

This one-pot Cajun pasta is an excellent choice for busy weeknight dinners, especially if you love Cajun food! This dish is easy to make, and it’s packed full of flavor. You will love the spicy Cajun sauce that coats the perfectly cooked tender pasta and sausage.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can store this delicious recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
This dish is excellent on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread.
The pasta is tender with a little bite; the sauce is creamy with a little heat from the Cajun seasoning. The sausage adds a nice earthy flavor to the dish.
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Cajun Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 leek, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 spicy sausages sliced, I use already cooked sausages, but you can also use raw sausages
- 4 cups penne pasta, uncooked
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3½ cups chicken broth
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 3 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the leek, garlic, and sausages. Cook for 5 minutes. If using raw sausage, cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the sausages are thoroughly cooked.
- Add the pasta, diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and broth. Stir and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 15 minutes, until the liquid is almost gone and the pasta is al dente.
- Add the cream cheese and mix gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with green onions.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- If you want more heat, add some red pepper flakes to the dish.
- You can add some shredded chicken instead of the sausages to the pasta if you want.
- If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can use Creole or Mexican seasoning or just a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin.
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