Description
A creamy, spicy, and flavorful Cajun sausage pasta loaded with smoked sausage, bell peppers, and a rich sauce. A quick and satisfying one-pot meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 small yellow onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 oz penne or your favorite pasta
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and add sliced sausage. Cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds to release the spices’ aromas.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and let it simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Return sausage to the skillet, add cooked pasta, and toss everything until well coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Swap sausage with grilled chicken or shrimp for variety.
Add extra cream or shredded cheese for a richer sauce.
Mix in mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a veggie boost.
Adjust spice level by modifying the amount of red pepper flakes.
Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of cream or broth.
Not recommended for freezing due to the cream-based sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
