Description
A flavorful dish combining sausage, fresh vegetables, and creamy sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb sausage (Italian or Cajun)
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casing and crumble it into the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns, until fully cooked.
- Add the sliced bell pepper and chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until the veggies are tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and oregano. Add the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring until well combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cooking for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until melted.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg