Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 10 ounces smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa), sliced into thin rounds
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
Seasonings and Spices
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquids and Dairy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 4 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni)
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Slice the smoked sausage into thin rounds. Chop the bell peppers and onions. Measure out Cajun seasoning, heavy cream, and shredded Parmesan cheese to have everything ready.
- Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and sauté until browned and slightly crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the oil and any browned bits in the pot.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add diced bell peppers and onions to the pot and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- Add Seasoning and Simmer: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper over the vegetables. Stir well to coat. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta directly into the simmering broth and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes, depending on pasta type.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked sausage to the pot and add fresh spinach if using. Stir everything together until the spinach wilts and all ingredients are evenly distributed. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the Cajun sausage pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan or red pepper flakes for additional heat if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute smoked sausage with andouille sausage for more authentic Cajun flavor.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Adding fresh spinach is optional but adds color and nutrients.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spiciness level.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun