Save to Pinterest 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 became a family favorite the moment I served it; everyone loved the creamy Cajun twist.
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.
Save to Pinterest This meal always brings us together, especially on busy weeknights when a hearty dish is needed fast.
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.
Nutritional Information
Calories 680, total fat 42 g, carbohydrates 47 g, protein 26 g per serving
Save to Pinterest This recipe is an excellent option for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or comfort.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of sausage works best?
Smoked sausages like andouille or kielbasa provide a smoky, savory base that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, add extra Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper for more heat, or reduce spices for a milder flavor.
- → Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
Full-fat milk with a bit of butter can be used, but the sauce may be less rich and creamy.
- → How to prevent pasta from sticking?
Cook penne in plenty of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and toss immediately with sauce.
- → Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free penne pasta and verify sausage ingredients for gluten content.