Savory pasta with smoked sausage, Cajun spices, creamy Alfredo sauce, and Parmesan cheese.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz penne pasta
→ Sausage
02 - 12 oz smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa), sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
08 - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, plus more to taste
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
→ Garnish
12 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
# Steps to Follow:
01 - Boil the penne pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook 3 to 4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, melt butter. Sauté onion and red bell pepper for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Stir in heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
05 - Reduce heat to low. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce is smooth.
06 - Return browned sausage to skillet. Add cooked penne and toss gently to coat evenly with sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.
07 - Plate pasta and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot.
