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Here are the items you'll need for a delicious creamy Cajun sausage pasta: - 12 oz penne pasta - 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, chopped - 1 green bell pepper, chopped - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) To make this dish, gather these tools: - Large pot for boiling pasta - Large skillet for cooking - Wooden spoon or spatula - Knife and cutting board - Measuring cups and spoons When cooking, quality counts. Here are some tips: - Pasta: Choose good-quality penne pasta. Look for brands made of durum wheat. - Sausage: Opt for smoked sausage made from pork or chicken. Check for natural spices. - Vegetables: Select fresh, firm bell peppers and onions. They should be vibrant in color. - Cream: Use heavy cream for richness. Avoid low-fat options, as they won’t be as creamy. - Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best. Pre-grated cheese may not melt as well. - Spices: Make sure your spices are fresh. Old spices lose their flavor and aroma. With these ingredients and tips, you're ready to make a fantastic creamy Cajun sausage pasta. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To start, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 12 oz of penne pasta. Cook according to the package directions until al dente. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, take a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add 1 lb of sliced smoked sausage. Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes. You want it to brown nicely. Once it is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add 1 medium diced onion, 1 chopped red bell pepper, and 1 chopped green bell pepper. Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes. They should soften and smell great. After that, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for another 1-2 minutes. The garlic will add a nice flavor. Then, stir in 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Let it cook for an extra minute. This step helps to boost the taste. Next, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring this mix to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens a bit. Now it's time to bring it all together. Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet. Then, toss in the drained pasta. Mix everything well. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and creates a creamy texture. Taste your dish and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. Finally, serve the creamy Cajun sausage pasta in bowls. You can garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your meal! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To make your pasta creamy, use heavy cream. It adds richness and smoothness. If you want a lighter version, substitute some cream with milk. You can also add more cheese. Parmesan melts well and boosts creaminess. Stir it in at the end for the best results. Cajun seasoning packs a punch. If you prefer less heat, use a smaller amount. You can also add cream or cheese to balance the spice. For a kick, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Start with a little and taste as you go. This way, you can find your perfect spice level. This dish is great for meal prep. Cook it ahead and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream. This helps restore the creamy texture. Heat it gently on the stove for best results. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. {{image_2}} You can change the sausage to fit your taste. Try using chicken sausage for a lighter dish. If you like spice, go for andouille sausage. It adds a nice kick. Turkey sausage is a great option too. It keeps the dish healthy while still tasty. Each sausage brings its own flavor, so feel free to mix and match. You can make this dish without meat. Use plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a savory flavor. Tofu is another good choice. It absorbs flavors well and adds protein. For vegan cream, try coconut cream or cashew cream. This way, you keep it creamy and rich without dairy. Adding more veggies can make the dish even better. Spinach or kale gives a pop of green. You can also add zucchini or carrots for sweetness. Bell peppers are colorful and tasty too. Just be sure to chop them small. This keeps everything cooking evenly. More veggies mean more nutrients and flavor in every bite. To keep your creamy Cajun sausage pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure the pasta cools down before sealing it. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, this method works well. You can freeze your creamy Cajun sausage pasta for longer storage. Just place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as the pasta will expand. It stays good in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat your pasta on the stove for the best results. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy. Heat it over low to medium heat, stirring often. You can also use the microwave, but cover it to retain moisture. Heat in short bursts and stir in between. Enjoy your pasta just as good as fresh! Cajun seasoning is a mix of spices. It usually includes paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder. You may also find thyme, oregano, and black pepper in the blend. This mix adds a bold, spicy flavor to dishes. You can make your own by combining these spices. Just adjust the amounts to match your taste. Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Bowtie, fusilli, or spaghetti work great. Choose a pasta that holds sauce well. Cooking time may vary, so check the package instructions. Using different pasta can make the dish feel new and exciting. To make this dish gluten-free, swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer tasty options made from rice or lentils. Also, check the Cajun seasoning label to ensure it's gluten-free. With these swaps, you can enjoy the creamy Cajun sausage pasta without worry. For the complete details, check out the full recipe for creamy Cajun sausage pasta. It covers all the steps and ingredients needed to make this delicious dish. Enjoy cooking! We covered the key points for making a delicious creamy Cajun sausage pasta. You learned about choosing top ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and handy tips for the best results. Remember, you can swap sausages, add veggies, or adjust spice levels to fit your taste. Follow the storage and reheating tips for great leftovers. This dish offers a tasty blend of flavors that everyone will enjoy. Now, it's time to gather your ingredients and unleash your cooking skills!

Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Savor the flavors of the South with this creamy Cajun sausage pasta recipe! Perfectly cooked penne pasta combines with smoked sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and a rich creamy sauce seasoned with Cajun spices for a dish that's both comforting and bold. Ideal for a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress.
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Ingredients
  

12 oz penne pasta

1 lb smoked sausage, sliced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned and heated through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

      Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

        Add Seasonings: Stir in the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, cooking for an additional minute to enhance the flavors.

          Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 3-5 minutes until it slightly thickens.

            Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked sausage and drained pasta into the skillet, tossing everything together until well combined. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

              Serve: Divide the creamy Cajun sausage pasta into bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for an added touch of color and flavor.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 30 mins | Serves 4-6.