When you’re craving something bold, smoky, rich, and comforting, this One-Pot Creamy Cajun BBQ Steak & Sausage Penne delivers all that and more. It’s a dish packed with tender chunks of seared steak, slices of smoky sausage, and perfectly cooked penne pasta, all coated in a luscious, spicy Cajun BBQ cream sauce. The flavors dance between heat, sweetness, and savory depth, making each bite incredibly satisfying.

Ideal for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or whenever you’re in need of a one-pot wonder, this recipe combines convenience with flavor. Everything cooks in a single pan — pasta, meats, and sauce — keeping cleanup minimal and taste maximum. Whether you’re a spice lover or just looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing pasta dish, this one will win over hearts and appetites instantly.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Creamy Cajun BBQ Steak & Sausage Penne

All-in-One Cooking: Less cleanup, more time to relax or spend with your guests.
Big, Bold Flavors: Cajun seasoning, smoky BBQ sauce, and rich cream bring serious flavor.
Hearty & Filling: Protein-packed with steak and sausage — perfect for satisfying hungry bellies.
Crowd-Pleaser: It’s got that “wow” factor that’ll have everyone going back for seconds.
Customizable: Adjust the heat, use different meats, or make it extra cheesy — it’s super flexible!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To pull off this flavor-packed One-Pot Creamy Cajun BBQ Steak & Sausage Penne with ease, it’s essential to have the right setup before you begin. A bit of prep goes a long way in streamlining the cooking process and ensuring that everything comes together smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large Deep Skillet or Dutch Oven: This is the backbone of your one-pot meal. It needs to be wide and deep enough to sear meats, simmer liquids, and hold all the pasta comfortably. A heavy-bottomed pan ensures even heat distribution.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: For slicing the steak and sausage into bite-sized pieces. Precision matters here — uniform cuts cook evenly.
Cutting Board: Preferably two — one for meats and one for vegetables or herbs, to prevent cross-contamination.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: To get your liquid ratios and spice levels just right.
Tongs or Wooden Spoon: For stirring and tossing the ingredients gently without breaking the pasta or tearing the meat.
Colander (optional): If you want to rinse the pasta after boiling separately, though this is an all-in-one-pot recipe, so typically not needed unless customizing.

Preparation Tips

Pre-slice Everything: Have your steak, sausage, garlic, and herbs prepped and ready before you start cooking. The dish comes together quickly once it starts.
Pat the Steak Dry: This helps get a good sear on the meat, locking in flavor and juices.
Use Room Temperature Cream: Adding cold cream straight into a hot pan can cause it to curdle. Let it sit out while the pasta cooks.
Layer the Seasoning: Cajun spice can be added in steps — a little for the meat, a little for the sauce — to build a rich depth of flavor.
Simmer Gently After Adding Cream: High heat can cause the sauce to separate. Keep it low and slow at this stage for a silky, cohesive finish.

Ingredients for This One-Pot Creamy Cajun BBQ Steak & Sausage Penne

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this bold and creamy Cajun-inspired pasta dish to life. The ingredients are broken down into categories to make your prep even easier.

Pasta & Liquids

12 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
4 cups beef broth (for rich, meaty flavor)
1 cup heavy cream (for a velvety finish)
1/2 cup BBQ sauce (choose a smoky or sweet-spicy variety for depth)

Meats

8 oz steak (sirloin or ribeye, cut into bite-sized cubes)
6 oz smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa, sliced into coins)

Vegetables & Aromatics

1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)

Spices & Seasonings

1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Cheese (Optional but Amazing)

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (stirred in at the end for a creamy, umami-rich touch)

Step 1: Sear the Steak and Sausage

Start by heating a tablespoon of oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the steak cubes. Sear them until they develop a golden-brown crust on all sides — about 3–4 minutes. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and a touch of Cajun seasoning.

Next, add the sliced sausage to the same pan. Let it brown and caramelize, releasing its smoky oils into the pan. This builds the foundation of flavor for your sauce. Once done, transfer both meats to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Reduce the heat to medium. In the same pan (don’t wipe it clean!), add the chopped onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it. You’re building layers of flavor here with the fond left from the meat.

Step 3: Deglaze and Build the Sauce Base

Pour in about 1/4 cup of the beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits with your spoon. Then add the remaining broth, heavy cream, BBQ sauce, and all of your remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and optional red pepper flakes.

Stir everything together until well combined and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add Pasta & Simmer

Add the uncooked penne pasta directly into the sauce. Stir to coat all the noodles. Cover with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 5: Return the Meat & Finish the Dish

Return the cooked steak and sausage to the pan. Stir everything together and let it simmer uncovered for 3–5 more minutes, just enough to reheat the meat and allow the flavors to meld. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it.

Stir in the Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or Cajun spice if needed.

Step 6: Serve Hot & Garnish

Spoon the creamy Cajun BBQ steak and sausage penne into bowls and garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the explosion of flavors!

Notes

Homemade Cajun Seasoning: If you don’t have a store-bought mix, make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Customize the Protein: This dish also works beautifully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian spin.
BBQ Sauce Tip: A smoky-sweet BBQ sauce adds balance to the spice. If using a spicy variety, adjust Cajun seasoning accordingly.
Make It Extra Creamy: Stir in a bit of cream cheese or an extra splash of heavy cream at the end for an ultra-silky texture.
Boost the Veggies: Add diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcooking the Steak: Sear it quickly on high heat. You want it tender and juicy, not chewy or dry.
Undercooking the Pasta: Be sure the penne is cooked through but still firm to the bite (al dente). Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking.
Too Much Heat at the End: After adding the cream and cheese, don’t blast the heat. Keep it low to prevent the sauce from splitting or becoming gritty.
Skipping the Stirring: This is a one-pot pasta — it needs occasional stirring to ensure even cooking and prevent pasta from clumping or sticking to the bottom.
Using Low-Quality BBQ Sauce: It’s a central flavor here. Go for something rich and well-balanced — it makes a big difference.
Adding Cheese Too Early: Wait until the pasta is fully cooked and sauce is slightly thickened to stir in the Parmesan. Adding it too early can make the sauce stringy.

What to Serve With One-Pot Creamy Cajun BBQ Steak & Sausage Penne?

This dish is already a hearty main, but pairing it with the right sides can round out the meal and bring balance to the rich, creamy, and spicy flavors. Whether you’re hosting guests or just want a comforting dinner spread, here are some killer combinations to serve alongside your penne.

8 Recommendations

Garlic Bread or Cheesy Toast
- The ultimate mop-up tool for that creamy Cajun sauce. A crusty, buttery slice of garlic bread adds texture and savory crunch.
Simple Green Salad
- Toss together some mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the pasta.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Their earthy bite and crispy edges contrast beautifully with the smoky, creamy pasta.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Cajun and BBQ flavors practically beg for a juicy ear of corn — especially when brushed with butter and sprinkled with paprika or Cajun spice.
Creamy Coleslaw
- A tangy, cool slaw helps balance out the spice and adds a refreshing crunch.
Parmesan Crusted Asparagus
- Oven-roasted asparagus spears coated with Parmesan bring a salty, crisp companion to the dish.
Cornbread Muffins
- Slightly sweet and fluffy, they make a cozy Southern-style side that plays well with the dish’s BBQ notes.
Pickled Veggies or Jalapeños
- Add a zesty, acidic pop to contrast the creamy sauce and deepen the overall flavor profile.

Storage Instructions

One of the perks of this One-Pot Creamy Cajun BBQ Steak & Sausage Penne is how well it keeps — making it great for leftovers, meal prep, or next-day lunches.

Refrigeration

How long it lasts: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating tips: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream, milk, or broth to rehydrate the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully heated.

Freezing

Yes, it freezes! Let the pasta cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating from frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding cream or broth to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

Note: The texture of the pasta may soften slightly after freezing, but the flavors remain bold and delicious.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx. 6 Servings Total)

These numbers are estimates and may vary depending on specific brands and portion sizes used.

Calories: ~620 kcal
Protein: 28g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Sugar: 6g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 980mg
Cholesterol: 105mg

Looking to lighten it up? You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or use turkey sausage and leaner cuts of beef.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne holds sauce beautifully, you can use rigatoni, fusilli, or even rotini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type.

2. How spicy is this dish?

That depends on your Cajun seasoning and BBQ sauce. Most Cajun blends have a kick, but you can control the heat by reducing red pepper flakes or choosing a milder BBQ sauce.

3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a creamy oat-based alternative. Skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese.

4. What if I don’t have beef broth?

You can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth. Even water with a bouillon cube works in a pinch — just adjust seasoning to taste.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely. You can cook the entire dish ahead, let it cool, and store it for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of cream or broth for best texture.

6. What meats work best for this dish?

Steak and smoked sausage are a flavorful combo, but you can also use chicken thighs, shrimp, ground turkey, or even a meatless sausage for a vegetarian version.

7. Is this good for meal prepping?

Yes! It reheats well and the flavors deepen over time. Store in individual containers and you’ve got a week’s worth of crave-worthy lunches.

8. Can I double the recipe?

You sure can — just make sure your pot is large enough to hold everything. Keep an eye on liquid levels, and stir more frequently to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

One-Pot Creamy Cajun BBQ Steak & Sausage Penne isn’t just a meal — it’s a full-on flavor experience. With its smoky BBQ notes, rich Cajun spice, and creamy sauce clinging to every bite of pasta, steak, and sausage, it delivers comfort food with a serious attitude. The one-pot method makes it as practical as it is delicious, saving time and dishes without cutting corners on taste.

Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner, spicing up your meal prep game, or wowing your guests with something bold and satisfying, this dish has you covered. Once you try it, it’ll earn a permanent place in your dinner rotation.