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Cajun Sausage Pasta

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A quick and flavorful Cajun sausage pasta dish with creamy textures and bold spices, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Sauté the sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes. Transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
  3. Sauté the veggies: In the same skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil if needed, followed by the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes, then add in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  4. Add the Cajun seasoning: Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and stir to combine, letting the spices bloom for a minute.
  5. Incorporate the cream: Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well and let it simmer for about 2–3 minutes.
  6. Cheese, please!: Gradually stir in the cheddar cheese until it melts into the sauce. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  7. Combine pasta and sausage: Add the cooked penne and browned sausage back into the skillet, tossing to coat everything with sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, plate your pasta, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Feel free to substitute ingredients and experiment with spices for a lighter or spicier version of the dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta, Cajun, sausage, quick meal, creamy, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://mapleladle.com/cajun-sausage-pasta/