Save to Pinterest A creamy, spicy pasta dish combining smoky sausage, Cajun spices, and a rich Alfredo sauce for a comforting meal ready in just 20 minutes.
This dish quickly became a favorite in my household thanks to its bold flavors and ease of preparation.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
- Sausage: 12 oz (340 g) smoked sausage (e.g. andouille or kielbasa) sliced into ¼ inch rounds
- Vegetables: 1 small yellow onion finely chopped, 1 red bell pepper diced, 2 cloves garlic minced
- Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream, 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste), ¼ tsp black pepper, ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Garnish: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Sausage:
- While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3 4 minutes until browned. Remove sausage and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add butter. Once melted, sauté onion and red bell pepper for 2 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make Sauce:
- Stir in the heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Bring to a simmer.
- Finish Sauce:
- Reduce heat to low, add Parmesan cheese, and stir until melted and sauce is smooth.
- Combine:
- Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Add the cooked penne and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional Cajun spice if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Save to Pinterest Preparing this recipe brings my family together around the table enjoying bold flavors and warm comfort food.
Notes
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.
Required Tools
Large pot for boiling pasta, large skillet, chefs knife, cutting board, wooden spoon or spatula, grater for Parmesan
Allergen Information
Contains milk dairy (cream Parmesan cheese) and wheat (penne pasta). Contains possible sulfites (in some smoked sausages). Double check sausage ingredients for allergens or gluten if sensitive.
Save to Pinterest This smoked sausage Cajun Alfredo is perfect for quick weeknight dinners packed with flavor and creaminess.