Description
This flavorful Cajun Sausage Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Featuring smoked sausage, bell peppers, and a rich Parmesan-heavy cream sauce, it combines robust Cajun seasonings with tender pasta for a satisfying meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Dairy
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Produce
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Pantry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz penne or your favorite pasta
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for about 4-5 minutes until browned and slightly crispy. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the sliced onion. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until aromatic.
- Incorporate spices: Add the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to release the spices’ aromas.
- Add liquids: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer gently to thicken the sauce slightly.
- Mix in cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and well combined.
- Combine all components: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, add the cooked pasta, and toss everything together so the pasta is fully coated with the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Season and garnish: Season the pasta with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can substitute smoked sausage with Andouille sausage for a more authentic Cajun flavor.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the dish’s spiciness according to your preference.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Gluten-free pasta can be used to make this dish gluten-free.
