Ingredients
Scale
- 400g (14 oz) smoked sausage or Andouille sausage, sliced
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients: Slice the sausage, chop vegetables, and measure seasonings to streamline cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet or large pot. Cook sausage until browned, then remove and set aside. In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers until fragrant and tender.
- Pour enough water or chicken broth into the pot to cook the pasta. Bring to a boil, add pasta, and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain excess liquid if necessary.
- Lower heat and stir in heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Return the cooked sausage to the pot and mix well. Simmer a few minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot for a flavorful, satisfying dinner.
Notes
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
- Serving suggestion: Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. Add more Parmesan or parsley for extra flavor.
- Optional: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
- Diet: Dairy, Nut-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 550 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg