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Cajun Sausage Pasta

This Cajun Sausage Pasta is a spicy, flavorful dish combining smoky sausage with creamy pasta and bold Cajun spices for an easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 4 minutes.
  4. Stir in garlic, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper, cooking for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
  7. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  8. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with milk or use a lower-fat sausage. Serve with a green side salad to balance the richness.