Name: One-Pot Creamy Cajun Ravioli Pasta with Sausage & Peppers
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 16 oz cheese ravioli (about 24 ravioli); 1 tbsp butter; 12 oz smoked sausage (cut into slices- I like turkey kielbasa); 4 slices thick cut bacon (chopped); 2 cups sliced bell pepper (a mix of green & red); 2 cups sliced yellow onion; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 2 tsp Cajun seasoning; 2/3 cup canned diced tomatoes; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 1/3 cup grated Parmesan; salt & pepper (to taste)

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Looking for a comforting, flavorful dinner that’s both creamy and easy to make? This One-Pot Creamy Cajun Ravioli Pasta with Sausage & Peppers is the perfect, fast solution! Smoked sausage, crispy bacon, and sautéed bell peppers come together in a rich, Cajun-spiced cream sauce, making this dish a deliciously comforting meal. The cheese ravioli adds a touch of indulgence & richness, and with just one pot, cleanup is a breeze. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting pasta meal, this meal is sure make your list of go-to recipes!

Last Updated February 18th, 2025.

Contents (show)

Why You’ll Love this Ravioli Recipe:

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this Cajun ravioli pasta recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s an easy, one-pot solution for your weeknight dinners.
Big, Bold Flavors: The combination of smoky sausage, a creamy Cajun sauce, and cheesy ravioli creates a perfect blend of spice, creaminess, and savory goodness. Every bite feels like a cozy, indulgent treat that will satisfy your cravings.
Simple Ingredients: With everyday ingredients like sausage, bell peppers, onion, and ravioli, you can whip up a restaurant-quality Cajun pasta dish without needing hard-to-find items. It’s simple, accessible, and full of flavor.
Customizable: This recipe can be made to suit a variety of dietary needs and preferences! Make it gluten free by substituting with gluten-free ravioli. Or, adjust the spice level to your liking! Whether you prefer a mild Cajun sauce or a spicy kick, you can make this dish as mild or as spicy as you like, making it perfect for families with different tastes.

Ingredient Notes:

Cheese Ravioli:
- Cheese ravioli creates a creamy, cheesy base that pairs beautifully with the Cajun flavors in this dish. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free ravioli, which keeps the dish accessible for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing texture or taste.
Sliced Smoked Sausage (I used turkey kielbasa):
- Smoked sausage brings a rich, smoky flavor that complements the spices in the Cajun seasoning. I like to use turkey kielbasa for a lighter option, but it still provides plenty of savory depth. You can also swap for pork or chicken kielbasa if you prefer.
Bell Peppers:
- Bell peppers not only add a pop of color to the dish, but they also offer a sweet, crisp texture that balances the creamy sauce. They introduce a fresh element to this rich and indulgent Cajun pasta.
Yellow Onion:
- Yellow onion adds mild sweetness, which deepens as it cooks, enhancing the savory flavor of the dish. It blends perfectly with the garlic and spices, creating a rich base for the creamy Cajun sauce.
Garlic:
- Fresh garlic adds a warm, aromatic kick that boosts the Cajun seasoning, enhancing the complexity of the sauce. Its savory depth helps bring out the other flavors in the dish.
Cajun Seasoning:
- The heart of this dish, Cajun seasoning, brings in heat, smokiness, and bold flavor. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference to create the perfect balance of heat and flavor in your sauce.
Diced Tomatoes:
- Diced tomatoes add a touch of acidity, cutting through the creaminess of the sauce. This balances out the richness and enhances the overall flavor, making it the perfect complement to the creamy Cajun ravioli.
Heavy Whipping Cream:
- Heavy cream is what gives the sauce its luxurious, smooth texture. It makes the sauce rich and perfect for coating the ravioli and sausage, creating a truly indulgent dish.
Grated Parmesan:
- Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty finish that blends into the sauce, rounding out the flavors and giving it a savory edge that enhances the entire dish.

sausage and pepper ravioli in cajun saue

Dietary Restriction & Allergy-Friendly Substitutions:

To Make Gluten-Free:
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free ravioli (for this recipe, I used Celentano Gluten-Free Cheese Ravioli. The texture is a bit softer than traditional ravioli but still very very good!) and substitute flour (if using for thickening) with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your Cajun seasoning and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free as well, as some brands may contain gluten.
To Make Dairy-Free:
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Instead of Parmesan, you can use a dairy-free cheese or simply omit it for a lighter dish.
To Make Lower Carb:
- To make this dish lower carb, swap the ravioli for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. You can cook them separately and fold them in at the end to avoid overcooking, or pour the sauce with sausage and peppers over the top for a comforting keto-friendly meal!
Vegetarian:
- To make it vegetarian, replace the sausage with a plant-based sausage or extra veggies to maintain texture. Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth and skip the bacon for a full vegetarian version.
Nut-Free:
- This recipe is naturally nut-free, but always double-check your ingredients like Cajun seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and cream substitutes to ensure they are free of nuts.

Additional Substitutions & Variations:

Make It Spicier: If you love a spicy kick, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or a splash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to bulk up the dish with more vegetables. Try adding spinach, zucchini, carrots, yellow squash, or even broccoli for added nutrition and texture without sacrificing flavor.
Different Sausage: Switch out the smoked sausage for Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or chorizo for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a lighter option, try using turkey kielbasa (this one is my favorite) or a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.
Use Different Pasta: While ravioli works beautifully here, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or even fettuccine. For a low-carb option, consider zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a healthier twist.
Make It Creamier: For an even creamier sauce, stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese or mascarpone.
No Tomatoes? No Problem: If you prefer a tomato-free version, simply omit the diced tomatoes and use extra cream or broth to make the sauce smooth and creamy. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for a tangy, non-tomato acidity.

Expert Tips & Recipe Notes:

Control the Spice:
- Start with a smaller amount of Cajun seasoning if you’re sensitive to spice, as its heat can vary. You can always add more at the end if needed, ensuring the perfect level of heat for your taste.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:
- To ensure the sausage and veggies sear properly, avoid overcrowding the pan. If needed, sauté in batches to achieve that caramelized flavor that adds depth to your Cajun pasta.
Ravioli Sticking Together:
- If the ravioli stick together while cooking, make sure you’re using plenty of water and stirring gently during the first few minutes of cooking. Adding a bit of oil to the water can also help prevent sticking.
Too Much Cajun Flavor:
- If the Cajun seasoning becomes overpowering, balance it out with a bit more cream or a splash of white wine for brightness. This will help mellow out the spices without losing that rich flavor.
If Sauce is Too Thick:
- If your sauce is too thick, simply add a splash of pasta water or chicken broth to thin it out. This will help restore the perfect creamy texture.
If Sauce is Too Thin:
- If your sauce isn’t thickening as expected, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid and concentrate the flavors. Alternatively, you can add a sprinkle of flour to help thicken the sauce.
Add Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor:
- A sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions at the end brings brightness and color to the dish, balancing the rich sauce and adding a fresh finish.
Leftovers:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency and keep it from drying out.

Cajun Pasta FAQ’s:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
- Yes! While ravioli adds a creamy, cheesy element, you can swap it for other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or fettuccine. For a low-carb option, try zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a healthier low-carb twist.
Can I make this dish spicier?
- Absolutely! If you prefer more heat, simply increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also stir in chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
What can I use if I don’t have smoked sausage?
- If you don’t have smoked sausage, try substituting with Italian sausage, chorizo, or even chicken sausage. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, you can use plant-based sausage or additional mushrooms for a meaty texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- Yes, to make it dairy-free, swap heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. You can also omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free cheese.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free ravioli and substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the Cajun seasoning and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, this dish is great for meal prep! You can prepare the entire recipe in advance, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat it over low heat. Just add a little cream or broth to keep the sauce creamy when reheating.
How do I store leftovers?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the sauce creamy, add a splash of cream or milk when reheating.

sausage pepper onions and ravioli in cajun cream sauce

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