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Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Skillet

creamy Cajun sausage pasta skillet - featured image
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A bold, creamy, and slightly spicy one-pot pasta dinner featuring smoked andouille sausage, penne, and a luscious Cajun cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this skillet meal is comforting, quick, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz smoked andouille sausage, sliced
  • 12 oz dry penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced andouille sausage and cook, stirring often, until browned and slightly crispy around the edges, about 4-5 minutes. Remove sausage to a plate and set aside, leaving drippings in the pan.
  2. Lower heat to medium. Add diced onion and chopped red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning and stir to coat the veggies evenly. Pour in crushed tomatoes and stir, letting it bubble gently for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Add dry penne pasta and chicken broth directly to the skillet. Stir well. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring every few minutes so the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick. Add a splash more broth or water if the skillet looks dry before the pasta is tender.
  5. Once pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed, reduce heat to low. Pour in heavy cream and return the browned sausage to the pan. Stir to combine and let the sauce thicken for about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Add grated Parmesan and stir until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed. For extra sauce, add a splash of reserved pasta water or more cream.
  7. Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top. Let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Serve hot, straight from the skillet.

Notes

For a lighter version, use chicken sausage and half-and-half or coconut cream. Add extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms for more nutrition. Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste for more or less heat. Freshly grated Parmesan melts best. Stir pasta frequently to prevent sticking, and add broth if needed. Letting the pasta rest before serving helps the sauce cling to the noodles.

Nutrition

Keywords: cajun pasta, sausage pasta, one pot dinner, creamy pasta, andouille sausage, skillet meal, weeknight dinner, spicy pasta, comfort food, easy recipe

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/creamy-cajun-sausage-pasta-skillet-easy-one-pot-dinner-recipe/