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- 12 oz penne pasta - 1 lb smoked sausage (like andouille), sliced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Creamy Cajun sausage pasta comes together with a few simple ingredients. Each one adds flavor and texture. First, we have the penne pasta, which is perfect for holding the sauce. The smoked sausage, like andouille, adds a savory kick. Olive oil is essential for sautéing and adds richness. Next, diced onion and bell pepper bring sweetness and color. Garlic gives a punch of aroma. Heavy cream makes the dish rich and creamy. Chicken broth adds depth. Cajun seasoning brings that unique spice blend, while cherry tomatoes add freshness. Lastly, don't forget salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. If you like, add grated Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess. These ingredients all work together to make the meal hearty and flavorful. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This step is key to flavoring the pasta. Once the water bubbles, add 12 ounces of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente. This usually takes around 10-12 minutes. After that, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, take a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 pound of sliced smoked sausage, like andouille. Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes until it turns brown and is heated through. This step adds a rich flavor to your dish. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and keep it aside. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. You can use either red or green bell pepper based on your taste. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they soften. Then, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook the garlic for another minute. This will give your dish a lovely aroma and flavor. Now, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and stir it with the vegetables. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Then, add 1 cup of heavy cream along with 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. Stir everything until it blends well. Let this simmer for about 3-5 minutes. This thickens the sauce and enhances the flavors. Now it's time to bring everything together. Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet, along with 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Stir until everything is coated with the creamy sauce. Let it bubble for another 2 minutes. Finally, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to mix everything well. Make sure the pasta is fully coated with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. To get the best sauce, you can adjust the thickness with cream. If you want it richer, add more cream. For a lighter sauce, use less cream. Taste the sauce as you go. You can also change the flavor with seasoning. If it’s too plain, add more Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper. A squeeze of lemon can brighten it up too. Use salted water for boiling the pasta. This helps the pasta get more flavor. It makes a big difference. Add the penne only when the water is boiling. This keeps it from clumping together. Stir the pasta once in a while to keep it loose. Pair your pasta with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A crisp salad adds crunch. Garlic bread adds a nice touch. For drinks, try a light white wine or iced tea. They complement the flavors well. To make your dish look great, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese if you like it cheesy. {{image_2}} You can swap out smoked sausage for other meats. Chicken works well in this dish. It adds a nice flavor without overpowering the sauce. Shrimp is another great choice. It cooks quickly and gives a seafood twist to the meal. For a meat-free meal, use plant-based sausage. It provides the same great taste without animal products. You can also add extra vegetables. Try zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms. They enhance the dish and add more nutrients. Adjusting the Cajun seasoning lets you control the heat. Start with less if you are sensitive to spice. You can always add more later. If you like extra heat, chop up jalapeños. They bring a nice kick that pairs well with the creamy sauce. To keep your creamy Cajun sausage pasta fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigeration: Place the leftover pasta in an airtight container. It will stay good for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing the container. - Freezing: If you want to freeze it, put the pasta in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out any extra air to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. To enjoy your pasta again, reheating properly is key: - Creaminess: When reheating, add a splash of heavy cream or chicken broth. This helps keep the sauce creamy and prevents it from drying out. - Microwave vs Stovetop: The microwave is quick, but the stovetop gives better results. For the stovetop, heat on low. Stir often so it warms evenly. Use a lid to keep the moisture in. If you use the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. These tips will help you savor every bite of your creamy Cajun sausage pasta! Cajun seasoning is a spice blend that packs a punch. It usually has paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This mix brings warmth and a bit of heat. It gives your dishes that famous Louisiana flavor. You can buy it at stores or make your own at home. Just mix those spices for a tasty kick. Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free! Use gluten-free penne pasta instead of regular pasta. There are many great options made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Just cook them as you would regular pasta. This way, everyone can enjoy this creamy Cajun sausage pasta without worry. Creamy Cajun sausage pasta lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you want to save it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before reheating. This blog post shared a simple recipe for Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta. We covered ingredients, step-by-step cooking tips, and variations for your taste. Remember to adjust flavors to your liking and try different proteins for fun. Store leftovers well to enjoy later. With these easy steps, you can create a satisfying meal that impresses. Dive in confidently, experiment, and enjoy every bite!

Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Dive into the flavors of this creamy Cajun sausage pasta that will take your weeknight dinner to the next level! With smoky sausage, fresh veggies, and a rich creamy sauce, this dish is both quick and satisfying. In just 30 minutes, you can create a delicious meal perfect for any occasion. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your family with this Cajun-inspired favorite!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz penne pasta

1 lb smoked sausage (like andouille), sliced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or green), diced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced sausage and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and heated through. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside.

      Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

        Create the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer. Add the heavy cream and Cajun seasoning, stirring until everything is well blended. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes to thicken slightly.

          Combine Everything: Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet along with the halved cherry tomatoes. Stir until everything is coated in the creamy sauce and let it bubble for another 2 minutes.

            Mix Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and gently toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

              Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

                - Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6