One Pot Creamy Cajun Bbq Steak Sausage Penne

Looking for a dish that’s creamy, spicy, and packed with smoky BBQ flavor? This One Pot Creamy Cajun BBQ Steak Sausage Penne is a total flavor explosion in one pot. It’s everything you want—bold, creamy, and super satisfying.

Tender steak, juicy sausage, and smoky BBQ sauce come together with Cajun spice to give this penne pasta a kick. The creamy sauce pulls everything together into a comforting, delicious meal.

It’s rich, smoky, with just the right amount of heat. And the best part? No mess because it all cooks in one pot. The penne absorbs all that flavor, making every bite a winner.

Let me show you how easy it is to throw this all together. One pot, tons of flavor, and dinner in no time. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: As one reader exclaimed, “I can’t believe how amazing this tastes! It’s a hit every time!”
• Bold & Flavorful: The combination of Cajun seasoning and BBQ sauce creates a mouthwatering, smoky-spicy sauce that coats every piece of pasta and meat perfectly.
• One Pot Wonder: Less mess, less cleanup! Everything is cooked in one pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Quick & Easy: This creamy Cajun BBQ dish is ready in about 45 minutes with minimal prep.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Cook a big batch, and have meals ready for a few days.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: About 40 minutes

Servings:

This recipe serves about 4 people. Need more? Double it and use a bigger pot!

Difficulty:

Easy! Even beginners can tackle this recipe with ease.

Required Kitchen Tools

Here’s everything you need for this one-pot meal:

• A large pot or Dutch oven
• A sharp knife for slicing the steak and sausage
• A wooden spoon for stirring
• A measuring cup and spoons for the ingredients

Ingredients for One Pot Creamy Cajun BBQ Steak Sausage Penne

Protein:

• 1 lb steak, sliced into thin strips
• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds

Pasta:

• 12 oz penne pasta

Liquids:

• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite kind)

Cheese:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (melted into the sauce for richness)

Seasonings & Oil:

• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped parsley (for garnish)

How to Make One Pot Creamy Cajun BBQ Steak Sausage Penne: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Steak and Sausage

• Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
• Once the oil is hot, add the sliced steak and sausage to the pot. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Cook the steak and sausage, stirring occasionally, until they’re browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Once cooked, remove the steak and sausage from the pot and set aside.

2. Prepare the Pasta

• In the same pot, add the beef broth and bring it to a simmer.
• Add the penne pasta to the simmering broth, making sure the pasta is fully submerged.
• Cook the pasta according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick.

3. Add the Creamy Cajun BBQ Sauce

• Once the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed, add the heavy cream and BBQ sauce to the pot.
• Stir well to combine the sauce with the pasta and pasta water.
• Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the mixture and stir to coat the pasta evenly.

4. Combine the Steak and Sausage

• Return the cooked steak and sausage to the pot with the pasta.
• Stir everything together, ensuring the meat and pasta are evenly distributed.
• Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

5. Add the Cheddar Cheese

• Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta and stir until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated, creating a creamy texture.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Cajun BBQ Steak Sausage Penne

This creamy Cajun BBQ penne is so flavorful and hearty that it doesn’t need much to complete the meal. Here are a few serving ideas:

• As a Standalone Meal: This dish is perfect on its own. The steak, sausage, and creamy sauce make it satisfying without needing any sides.
• With a Side Salad: Serve with a light salad, such as a fresh green salad or a tangy coleslaw, to balance the richness of the dish.
• With Garlic Bread: For extra comfort, pair it with some warm garlic bread to soak up all the creamy sauce.
• With Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli or green beans complement the dish nicely, adding a fresh, crisp texture.

Garnish Ideas:

• Top with a sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley to add a burst of color and a touch of freshness.
• You can also add a few extra shreds of cheese for a cheesy finish.

Storing One Pot Creamy Cajun BBQ Steak Sausage Penne

• Leftovers: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream if it’s too thick.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta while it cooks. It should be tender but still have a slight bite to it (al dente). This ensures the best texture in the final dish.
• Adjust the Cajun Heat: If you love spice, feel free to add more Cajun seasoning or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. On the other hand, you can reduce the seasoning for a milder version.
• Use Quality BBQ Sauce: The BBQ sauce plays a key role in this dish, so choose a flavor you love. A smoky or sweet BBQ sauce works best to complement the Cajun seasoning.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	600
Total Fat	28g
Saturated Fat	10g
Cholesterol	80mg
Sodium	800mg
Total Carbohydrates	52g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Sugars	8g
Protein	33g

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! You can substitute penne with any pasta you like. Farfalle, rotini, or rigatoni work just as well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose.

2. Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! If you prefer chicken, you can use diced chicken breasts or thighs in place of the steak and sausage. Just cook it until browned and fully cooked through before adding the pasta.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this recipe is best served fresh, you can definitely make it ahead and store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little more broth or cream if needed to loosen up the sauce.

4. Can I make it spicier?

If you like a bit more heat, feel free to add extra Cajun seasoning, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even chopped jalapeños. Adjust the heat level to your taste!

5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. For the cheese, try a dairy-free cheddar cheese or leave it out entirely for a lighter version.

6. What can I serve with this dish?

This creamy Cajun BBQ penne is filling enough to serve on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a light salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.

7. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Let the dish cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a little extra liquid if needed.

8. Can I make this recipe without BBQ sauce?

If you’re not a fan of BBQ sauce, you can leave it out and add extra Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, or even a little tomato paste for depth. The dish will still be flavorful without it.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Creamy Cajun BBQ Steak Sausage Penne combines the best of both worlds—comfort food with bold, smoky flavors. The creamy sauce brings everything together in a way that’s just irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a keeper.