Description
A rich, bold, and comforting pasta dish featuring smoky sausage, colorful bell peppers, and a creamy Cajun-spiced sauce that is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
12 ounces (340 g) penne pasta
14 ounces (400 g) beef or chicken sausage, sliced
1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup / 150 g)
1 red bell pepper, sliced (about 1 cup / 150 g)
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced (about 1 cup / 150 g)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons (16 g) Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon (5 g) smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon (1 g) crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy cream
1/2 cup (120 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon (3 g) salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon (1 g) black pepper
2 tablespoons (8 g) chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) pasta water, then drain.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté onion and bell peppers until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute.
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Add Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth. Return sausage to skillet.
Toss in cooked pasta and mix until evenly coated. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
Season with salt and black pepper. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Adjust Cajun seasoning to control spice level.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting results.
Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to maintain a creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes