Creamy, cheesy, hearty, and packed with smoky sausage and Cajun flavor, this easy one-pan pasta is the ultimate comfort-food dinner. Tender bow-tie pasta cooks right in a rich tomato-cream sauce with Rotel tomatoes, chicken broth, cheddar cheese, and sliced sausage. It’s a simple weeknight meal with big flavor and minimal cleanup!

🛒 Ingredients

Serves: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

1 lb (450 g) smoked sausage, sliced into rounds

12 oz (340 g) bow-tie pasta

1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes & green chilies, undrained

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 tbsp olive oil

1–2 tsp Cajun seasoning, to taste

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp onion powder

¼ tsp black pepper

Salt, to taste

2 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, optional

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Brown the sausage
   Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Remove a little of the sausage and set aside for topping if desired.
2. Add the aromatics
   Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
3. Build the sauce
   Stir in the Rotel tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
4. Cook the pasta
   Add the uncooked bow-tie pasta and stir well. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for about 12–15 minutes, stirring every few minutes so the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.
5. Make it cheesy
   Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and creamy.
6. Finish and serve
   Taste and adjust the Cajun seasoning and salt if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

💡 Recipe Tips

Don’t overcook the pasta: Check it a couple of minutes before the suggested cooking time.

Control the spice: Start with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and add more to taste.

Use freshly shredded cheese: It usually melts more smoothly into the sauce.

If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a small splash of chicken broth or cream.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy Cajun sausage pasta with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or warm garlic bread for a complete family dinner.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating if the sauce has thickened.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes. Penne, rotini, rigatoni, or another short pasta can work well. Cooking time may vary.

Can I make it less spicy?
Absolutely. Use a mild Cajun seasoning and choose mild diced tomatoes and green chilies.

What sausage works best?
Smoked sausage, kielbasa, or andouille sausage all work well. Andouille will give the dish a stronger Cajun flavor.

Can I use mozzarella instead of cheddar?
Yes, although cheddar gives this recipe a richer, sharper flavor. A cheddar-Mozzarella combination also works nicely.

📝 Recipe Card

One-Pan Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
Creamy bow-tie pasta cooked with smoked sausage, Rotel tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, and melted cheddar cheese.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 35 min
Servings: 6

Cuisine: American / Cajun-inspired
Category: Dinner / Pasta