Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

$- 12 oz penne pasta - 1 lb smoked sausage (like Andouille) - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning - Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper - 1 medium onion - 1 bell pepper (red or green) - Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese Gathering the right ingredients is key for great flavor. Start with the pasta. I love penne for its ridges, which hold the sauce well. The smoked sausage adds a savory kick. Andouille is my favorite choice. It brings a rich, smoky taste that truly shines. Next, we need heavy cream. It makes the sauce rich and smooth. Cajun seasoning adds a perfect zesty touch. You can adjust the amount if you like more heat. Don’t forget salt and pepper for balance. Now, for the veggies! Onions and bell peppers give a nice crunch and sweetness. Chop them up, and you’re ready to enhance the dish. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and brightness. Grated Parmesan cheese on top? It’s the icing on the cake! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta. Cook it until it is al dente, which takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside in a large bowl. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir it as it cooks until it turns a nice brown. When it's ready, transfer the sausage to a plate. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring often. You want them to be tender and a bit clear. Now, add the minced garlic. Cook it for another minute until it smells great. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth to deglaze the skillet. This lifts up the tasty bits stuck on the bottom. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Next, stir in the heavy cream and the Cajun seasoning. Keep stirring until the sauce is well mixed. Let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens a little. Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet along with the halved cherry tomatoes. Stir gently so everything is coated in the creamy sauce. Let it bubble for about 2 minutes to warm the tomatoes. Now, add the drained penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together carefully. Make sure the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. Finally, season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. To cook pasta just right, aim for al dente texture. This means it should be firm but not hard. Follow the package instructions for timing, usually 10 to 12 minutes for penne. It’s key to salt your water well. This adds flavor to the pasta as it cooks. Use about 1-2 tablespoons of sea salt per gallon of water. The salt helps the pasta taste better. To make the dish pop, adjust the spice as you like. If you enjoy heat, add more Cajun seasoning. Start with the recommended amount, then taste and add more if needed. The type of sausage you use matters too. Smoked sausage, like Andouille, gives a rich flavor. You can also use spicy sausage for a kick. Feel free to experiment with flavors you love! To serve this dish beautifully, use wide, shallow bowls. This gives it an inviting look. For garnish, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. It adds color and freshness. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese for richness. Place a few cherry tomatoes on top for a pop of color. These small touches make your meal stand out and look appetizing! {{image_4}} You can change the protein in this dish. Instead of smoked sausage, try chicken or shrimp. Chicken adds a mild flavor, while shrimp cooks quickly and tastes great with Cajun spices. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausage. There are many brands that mimic the texture and flavor of meat. You can also add chickpeas or lentils for protein. Both options keep the dish filling and tasty. Adding veggies can change the flavor and texture. Spinach is a great choice. It wilts down nicely and adds nutrients. Mushrooms also work well. They bring an earthy taste that pairs well with cream. You can make the dish spicier too. Add more Cajun seasoning or a splash of hot sauce. This will give your pasta a nice kick. You can adjust the heat to your liking. If you need gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta. Many types are available, like brown rice or chickpea pasta. They cook well and taste good in this dish. For a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with coconut cream. It adds a rich flavor while keeping the dish creamy. This swap is perfect for those who avoid dairy. To keep your creamy Cajun sausage pasta fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. You can keep it in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure it cools down a bit before sealing to avoid steaming. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. The best method is to use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Stir often to avoid sticking. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warming. This helps prevent dryness. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe containers. It can last about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in a skillet with a little broth to restore its creamy texture. For a true Cajun flavor, I recommend using Andouille sausage. This smoked sausage has a rich taste and a bit of spice. You can also try other smoked sausages if you can't find Andouille. Just look for something with a bold flavor to match the Cajun seasoning. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time! Cook the pasta and sausage, then store them separately. You can mix them just before serving. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat to keep the sauce creamy. To kick up the heat, add more Cajun seasoning. You can also mix in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. For a smoky flavor, try adding chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Just remember to taste as you go to find the right spice level for you. This pasta pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread. A fresh green salad adds crunch and balance. For garlic bread, simply toast baguette slices with olive oil and garlic. These sides will make your meal complete and satisfying. This article shared a simple, tasty Cajun sausage pasta recipe, emphasizing main ingredients and cooking steps. You learned to create a rich sauce and combine it perfectly with pasta. We also explored tips for flavor, variations, and storage advice. Remember, this dish can be adjusted to suit your taste, whether you prefer chicken over sausage or need a vegetarian option. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and making this dish your own!$

Indulge in the deliciousness of Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Delight, a dish that's as easy to make as it is satisfying! With smoky sausage, vibrant veggies, and a rich creamy sauce, this recipe will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it's ready in just 30 minutes. Click through now to explore the full recipe and discover tips for serving this flavorful pasta that your family will love!

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Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta

1 lb smoked sausage (like Andouille), sliced into rounds

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or green), diced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture (usually about 10-12 minutes). Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside in a large bowl.

Sauté the Sausage: In a spacious skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the sliced smoked sausage. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is nicely browned and heated through. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, toss in the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender and slightly translucent. Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

Create the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and stir well to deglaze the skillet, lifting any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Next, add the heavy cream and Cajun seasoning, stirring continuously until the sauce is thoroughly combined. Allow it to simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Combine Everything: Reintroduce the cooked sausage to the skillet along with the halved cherry tomatoes. Stir gently to ensure every component is coated in the luxurious creamy sauce. Let it bubble for an additional 2 minutes to heat the tomatoes through.

Mix Pasta with Sauce: Now, add the drained penne pasta to the skillet. Carefully toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to suit your taste.

Serve: To finish, garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

- Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6

- Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in wide, shallow bowls for a casual yet elegant dining experience. Consider adding a few whole cherry tomatoes and extra parsley on top for an eye-catching garnish!