Description
Get ready to embark on a flavor-packed adventure with our Cheesy Cajun Sausage Pasta Skillet! This irresistible dish combines the bold spices of Cajun cuisine with the comforting creaminess of a hearty pasta dish. Featuring smoky sausage, tender bell peppers, and a rich, cheesy sauce, this one-pot wonder is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb smoked sausage (andouille or Cajun-style), sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and sauté until golden-brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced bell peppers and chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté until tender, about 3-4 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the mixture and stir to combine, allowing it to bloom for about a minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth. Add the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and the sauce thickens.
- Fold in the cooked penne pasta, ensuring everything is well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
This dish is customizable! You can use other pasta shapes, swap the sausage for chicken or shrimp, or adjust the spice level by modifying the Cajun seasoning. Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg