Description
Spicy Cajun sausage pasta delivers bold Louisiana flavors straight to dinner tables with zesty charm. Hearty ingredients combine in a quick, satisfying meal that brings comfort and excitement to your evening.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa), sliced
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1–2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil at high heat, carefully adding penne pasta and cooking for 8-10 minutes until perfectly al dente. Drain pasta and reserve.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, adding sliced smoked sausage. Brown the sausage for 5-7 minutes, creating a rich caramelized exterior while stirring intermittently.
- Introduce diced bell peppers and chopped onions into the sausage-filled skillet. Sauté vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they become tender and slightly translucent.
- Incorporate minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until aromatic. Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice and heavy cream, mixing thoroughly to create a cohesive sauce.
- Generously dust the sauce with Cajun seasoning, adding salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and develop depth.
- Gently fold the cooked penne pasta into the sausage and sauce mixture, ensuring complete coating and even heat distribution. Stir for 1-2 minutes until pasta is warmed through.
- Remove skillet from heat, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Optional: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for additional richness before serving immediately.
Notes
- Choose spicy or mild sausage depending on your heat tolerance, allowing customization of flavor intensity.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version without compromising rich taste.
- Prepare extra Cajun seasoning blend at home using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne for fresher, more vibrant flavor profile.
- Consider adding protein variations like shredded chicken or plant-based alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences while maintaining dish’s signature zesty character.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg