Cajun Sausage Pasta
A delightful one-pot dish featuring tender penne pasta in a rich, creamy sauce with smoky sausage and Cajun spices, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta Cook according to package instructions.
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced May substitute with turkey sausage or grilled chicken.
- 1 count bell pepper, diced Any color bell pepper works.
- 1 count onion, chopped Yellow or white onion preferred.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic adds the best flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Adjust to taste.
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese For a spicier version, consider pepper jack.
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- as needed Olive oil For sautéing.
- for garnish Chopped parsley
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside.
Sautéing the Ingredients
- In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add in the sliced sausage, diced bell pepper, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
Making the Sauce
- Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, stirring well to coat the sausage and vegetables.
- Pour in the heavy cream and add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Bringing it Together
- Toss in the cooked pasta, mixing until every piece is coated in the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
For added nutrition, sauté some spinach or kale with the peppers. For extra heat, include diced jalapeños. A squeeze of lemon over the finished dish can enhance the flavors significantly.