Description
Cajun Sausage Pasta is a creamy, flavor-packed one-pan dinner featuring savory halal smoked beef or turkey sausage, tender pasta, colorful bell peppers, and a rich Cajun Parmesan cream sauce. This comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights and comes together in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 14 oz halal smoked beef or turkey sausage, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onion and bell peppers for 4-5 minutes until tender.
- Add the garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the butter and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Return the sausage to the skillet.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated in the sauce.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.
- Freshly grated Parmesan creates the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of warm chicken broth or milk.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun-American