One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta with Roasted Corn

Name: One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta with Roasted Corn
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 1 lb Cajun sausage, sliced; 1 cup corn (canned or frozen); 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnishing

Highlighted under: Quick & Tasty Creations

I absolutely love this One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta with Roasted Corn. It’s a dish that combines rich, bold flavors with the comforting texture of pasta. What really won me over is how the spices meld perfectly with the smoky sausage, and the addition of roasted corn brings a lovely sweetness. From start to finish, everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish never fails to impress and satisfy my cravings.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-16T14:22:18.788Z

This recipe is one that I’ve adapted over time, experimenting with various spices and ingredients. The Cajun seasoning adds a delicious kick that makes every bite exciting. In my kitchen, I've also found that using roasted corn not only adds sweetness but also a lovely texture that compliments the creaminess.

One tip I swear by is to adjust the spice level according to your taste. If you love heat, don’t be shy with the Cajun seasoning! It’s a versatile dish, and you can easily customize it with different vegetables or proteins — the possibilities are endless!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A perfect balance of spice and creaminess
One pot means minimal cleanup
Roasted corn adds a delightful sweetness

Understanding Cajun Flavors

Cajun cuisine is known for its bold and robust flavors, which are beautifully captured in this creamy pasta dish. The Cajun seasoning plays a crucial role, infusing the entire meal with spices like paprika, cayenne, and garlic. These spices not only provide heat but also depth, making each bite complex and exciting. If you prefer a milder flavor, consider reducing the amount of Cajun seasoning or trying a more subtle blend. Remember, the key lies in balancing spiciness with the creamy elements in the dish.

Another essential component is the smoky Cajun sausage. Look for a high-quality sausage that has a rich, smoky flavor, as this will add depth to the dish. If you're unable to find Cajun sausage, andouille sausage makes a great alternative, offering similar spices and a delightful smokiness. You can even opt for chicken sausage for a lighter version without sacrificing too much flavor; just be mindful of the cooking time, as chicken sausage tends to cook faster.

Perfecting Your Pasta

When it comes to cooking the penne pasta, be sure to maintain a simmer rather than a vigorous boil after adding the ingredients to the pot. This gentle cooking method ensures the pasta becomes perfectly al dente without becoming mushy. Stirring occasionally is important to prevent sticking, especially as the sauce thickens. Watch for visual cues; the pasta should appear glossy yet firm to the bite, which typically takes about 15-20 minutes.

If you're interested in making this dish ahead of time, consider cooking the pasta separately. Combine the roasted corn and sausage with the creamy sauce and store it in the fridge for up to two days. When you're ready to serve, reheat the sauce on low, then toss in the cooked penne until warmed through. This not only helps preserve the pasta's texture but also allows you to enjoy that creamy goodness just when you need it.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

To elevate your One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta, I recommend serving it with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which adds a rich umami flavor that complements the creaminess. For an added kick, a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can bring the spice level to another level. Pair it with a crisp side salad or garlic bread for a well-rounded meal that's perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners.

Feel free to explore different variations of this dish. You can easily swap out the penne pasta for another type, such as fusilli or rigatoni, depending on your preference. Additionally, adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers during the vegetable sauté phase can boost nutritional value and flavor. For a vegetarian alternative, replace the sausage with a plant-based option or hearty mushrooms to maintain the dish's satisfying texture and flavor profile.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta
1 lb Cajun sausage, sliced
1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnishing

Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go before you start cooking for the best results!

Instructions

Begin by following these simple steps:

Sauté the Sausage

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced Cajun sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

Add the penne pasta, chicken broth, heavy cream, roasted corn, and Cajun seasoning to the pot. Stir to combine.

Cook the Pasta

Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.

Finish and Serve

Return the sausage to the pot, stir well, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Dig in and enjoy the bold flavors of this delicious dish!

Pro Tips

For a smoky flavor, consider adding some smoked paprika or diced bacon. You can also use gluten-free pasta if needed.

Make-Ahead Tips

This dish can be prepared in advance, which makes it a fantastic option for meal prepping. Cook the pasta separately and store it in an airtight container. To make the sauce, roast the corn, sauté the sausage, and combine with the remaining ingredients. Keep the sauce refrigerated for up to three days, mixing in the pasta just before reheating. The flavors of the dish intensify as it sits, adding even more depth when you serve it later.

If freezing, let the dish cool completely in the pot before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to two months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore the original creamy consistency.

Common Troubleshooting

One common issue with creamy pasta dishes is that the cream can sometimes curdle if cooked at too high a temperature. To avoid this, make sure to bring the heat down once the broth is boiling. Adding the cream towards the end of cooking helps keep it smooth and prevents curdling. If it does happen, whisking the sauce vigorously can help smooth it out, but starting over with a lower heat is often the best bet.

Another potential pitfall is overcooking the pasta, which can lead to a mushy texture. Always taste the pasta a couple of minutes before the recommended cooking time to ensure it's al dente. Remember that the pasta will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the heat, so pulling it just shy of perfectly done will yield the best results in the final dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make ingredient substitutions, there are several options without compromising the essence of this dish. For the Cajun sausage, try turkey sausage for a leaner option. You can even sauté mushrooms or tempeh as a vegan alternative that still holds up to the creamy sauce. For the heavy cream, coconut cream is a unique choice that can impart a slightly sweet flavor and make the dish dairy-free.

As for the pasta, any short shape like bowties or shells will work beautifully. If you're looking for a whole-grain alternative, whole wheat penne will provide added fiber and nutrients. Just adjust the cooking time, as whole wheat pasta typically takes a bit longer to reach that al dente perfection.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute the sausage with a plant-based sausage or add extra vegetables.

→ How can I adjust the spice level?

Feel free to increase or decrease the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your preference. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can also enhance the heat.

→ What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a non-dairy milk substitute if you prefer a lighter option.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

Absolutely! You can cook it, cool it down, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove.