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Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Creamy Cajun sausage pasta with penne and bell peppers in a white bowl.
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A quick and comforting one-pan dinner featuring smoky sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and a luxuriously smooth, spicy Cajun cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a flavor-packed family meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound smoked sausage (like Andouille or Kielbasa), sliced into rounds
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (preferably salt-free)
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1 pound short pasta (like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned. Remove sausage and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add diced onion and sliced bell peppers. Cook for 5-6 minutes until softened.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the veggies and stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
  6. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream and softened cream cheese cubes. Stir gently until cream cheese is completely melted and sauce is smooth.
  8. Add the browned sausage back to the skillet.
  9. Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the creamy sauce. Toss everything to coat. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  10. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or green onions.

Notes

For a smooth sauce, ensure cream cheese is fully softened before adding. Using salt-free Cajun seasoning allows for better control of the dish's saltiness. The reserved starchy pasta water is key for adjusting sauce consistency.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.stacksipsnack.com/creamy-cajun-sausage-pasta/