Description
This Cajun Sausage Pasta is bold, creamy, and perfectly spiced. Smoky sausage and colorful bell peppers swim in a rich, spicy cream sauce that clings to tender pasta—an easy one-pan dinner ready in about 35 minutes.
Ingredients
8 ounces penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
12 ounces smoked beef sausage, sliced into rounds
1 tablespoon butter
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and brown the sliced sausage 4-5 minutes; remove and set aside.
3. Add butter to the skillet and sauté bell peppers and onion 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in Cajun seasoning, then pour in chicken broth and heavy cream; bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Add mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until cheeses melt and the sauce becomes creamy.
6. Return sausage and cooked pasta to the skillet; toss to combine and coat evenly with sauce.
7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
Swap the smoked beef sausage for chicken sausage or andouille if you prefer.
Add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg