Save A creamy, spicy pasta dish combining smoky sausage, Cajun spices, and a rich Alfredo sauce for a comforting meal ready in just 20 minutes.
I first served this to my family on a busy weeknight and everyone loved the smoky depth combined with the creamy Alfredo sauce It quickly became a favorite
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
- Sausage: 12 oz (340 g) smoked sausage (e.g. andouille or kielbasa) sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- Vegetables: 1 small yellow onion finely chopped 1 red bell pepper diced 2 cloves garlic minced
- Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter 1½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste) ¼ tsp black pepper ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Garnish: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente Drain and set aside
- Step 2:
- While the pasta cooks heat a large skillet over medium-high heat Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes until browned Remove sausage and set aside
- Step 3:
- In the same skillet add butter Once melted sauté onion and red bell pepper for 2–3 minutes until softened Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant
- Step 4:
- Stir in the heavy cream Cajun seasoning black pepper and smoked paprika Bring to a simmer
- Step 5:
- Reduce heat to low add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce is smooth
- Step 6:
- Return the browned sausage to the skillet Add the cooked penne and toss to coat evenly in the sauce Adjust seasoning with additional Cajun spice if desired
- Step 7:
- Serve hot garnished with chopped parsley
Save My family gathers around the table eagerly enjoying this creamy spicy meal it sparks great conversations and happy memories
Required Tools
Large pot (for boiling pasta) Large skillet Chefs knife Cutting board Wooden spoon or spatula Grater (for Parmesan)
Allergen Information
Contains milk/dairy (cream Parmesan cheese) and wheat (penne pasta) Contains possible sulfites (in some smoked sausages) Double-check sausage ingredients for allergens or gluten if sensitive
Nutritional Information
Calories 680 Total Fat 42 g Carbohydrates 47 g Protein 26 g per serving
Save This dish is perfect for quick weeknight dinners with bold flavors that satisfy the whole family
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of sausage works best for this dish?
Smoked sausages like andouille or kielbasa provide a smoky depth and pair well with Cajun spices, enhancing the overall flavor.
- → Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce when cooking to increase the heat level according to your taste.
- → Is it possible to use a lighter sausage option?
Turkey or chicken sausage can be substituted to reduce fat while maintaining a similar texture and flavor profile.
- → How do I ensure the pasta cooks perfectly?
Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside before combining with the sauce.
- → Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes, using gluten-free penne pasta will make the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets without altering the flavor.