Name: Cajun Sausage Pasta Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12-16 ounces short cut pasta (like penne), gluten-free if needed; 2 Tablespoons olive oil; 1 Tablespoon Cajun seasoning, divided; 1 (12 ounce) package andouille sausage, sliced on the bias; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 medium bell peppers, any color, diced; Pinch of red pepper flakes, to taste; 2 cloves minced garlic; 1 1/4 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 Tablespoons tomato paste; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; Fresh parsley for garnish

Description

Dive into a plate of Cajun Sausage Pasta Delight, a mouth-watering dish that marries the zest and spices of Cajun cuisine with creamy, comforting pasta. This recipe features spicy andouille sausage, a rich creamy tomato sauce, and a medley of colorful bell peppers, all tossed with al dente pasta. Perfect for anyone looking to jazz up their dinner routine, this dish offers a delectable twist on traditional pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

12–16 ounces short cut pasta (like penne), gluten-free if needed
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 Tablespoon Cajun seasoning, divided
1 (12 ounce) package andouille sausage, sliced on the bias
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 medium bell peppers, any color, diced
Pinch of red pepper flakes, to taste
2 cloves minced garlic
1 1/4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 Tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it to al dente according to the package directions. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining, and keep the pasta aside without rinsing.
Sauté the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the sliced andouille sausage with 2 teaspoons of the Cajun seasoning until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage and set it aside on a plate or bowl.
Prepare the Vegetables: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onions and bell peppers along with the remaining Cajun seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Create the Sauce: Whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, and tomato paste into the skillet. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
Combine and Serve: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, then toss in the cooked pasta and crispy sausage. Mix well to coat everything evenly. Adjust consistency with the reserved pasta water if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes