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Homestyle Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Creamy Cajun sausage pasta with penne, andouille, bell peppers, and spinach.
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This dish brings the vibrant, cozy flavors of Cajun cooking to your weeknight table with a simple, one-pot method. Smoked sausage and a creamy, spiced tomato sauce cook right with the pasta for minimal cleanup and maximum comfort. It's a family-friendly meal that's both deeply satisfying and surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound smoked andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Brown the sausage in olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside, leaving drippings.
  2. Add onion and bell pepper to the same pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan bottom. Stir in diced tomatoes with juices and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Add the uncooked penne pasta and the browned sausage back to the skillet. Stir, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
  5. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Fold in fresh spinach until wilted. Taste and season with salt and black pepper.
  6. Let sit for 5 minutes to allow sauce to thicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

For a lighter sauce, substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk. Use gluten-free pasta if needed. Always grate your own Parmesan for a smoother sauce; pre-grated cheese can make it grainy. Letting the pasta sit off the heat before serving helps the sauce cling better.

Nutrition

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