Pin It A creamy, spicy pasta dish combining smoky sausage, Cajun spices, and a rich Alfredo sauce for a comforting meal ready in just 20 minutes.
This dish quickly became a family favorite on busy weeknights when I need something flavorful and simple.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
- Sausage: 12 oz (340 g) smoked sausage (e.g. andouille or kielbasa) sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- Vegetables: 1 small yellow onion finely chopped 1 red bell pepper diced 2 cloves garlic minced
- Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter 1½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste) ¼ tsp black pepper ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Garnish: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2:
- While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove sausage and set aside.
- Step 3:
- In the same skillet, add butter. Once melted, sauté onion and red bell pepper for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4:
- Stir in the heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 5:
- Reduce heat to low, add Parmesan cheese, and stir until melted and sauce is smooth.
- Step 6:
- Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Add the cooked penne and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional Cajun spice if desired.
- Step 7:
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Pin It Preparing this recipe always brings my family together around the table for a delicious and hearty meal.
Notes
For extra heat add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Substitute turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
Required Tools
Large pot (for boiling pasta) Large skillet Chefs knife Cutting board Wooden spoon or spatula Grater (for Parmesan)
Allergen Information
Contains milk/dairy (cream Parmesan cheese) and wheat (penne pasta). Contains possible sulfites (in some smoked sausages). Double-check sausage ingredients for allergens or gluten if sensitive.
Pin It This dish is perfect for quick dinners that don’t compromise on flavor or comfort.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of sausage works best for this dish?
Smoked sausages like andouille or kielbasa add smoky depth and pair well with Cajun spices, enhancing the overall flavor.
- → Can I substitute the penne pasta for another type?
Yes, other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli work well, and gluten-free pasta can be used for dietary needs.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Increase Cajun seasoning or add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for more heat; reduce for milder flavor.
- → Is there a way to lighten this dish?
Swap smoked sausage for turkey or chicken sausage and use a lighter cream or half-and-half to reduce richness.
- → What side dishes complement this meal?
Serve with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to balance the creamy, spicy elements of the dish.