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Close-up of creamy Cajun penne pasta with smoked sausage, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley.

Cajun Sausage Pasta

A creamy one-pot Cajun sausage pasta made with smoked sausage, penne, bell peppers, tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Smoky, flavorful, and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 715
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 1 lb smoked sausage sliced
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Serving
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley optional

Equipment

  • Large deep skillet or sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until lightly browned.
  3. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook until they begin to soften.
  4. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
  5. Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and a small amount of salt.
  6. Stir well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
  7. Add the uncooked penne and stir until the pasta is evenly distributed in the sauce.
  8. Simmer, stirring frequently, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has reduced and thickened. Add a small splash of broth if the pasta needs more cooking time and the pan becomes too dry.
  9. Remove from the heat and let the pasta rest for 2–3 minutes.
  10. Taste and adjust the seasoning, then serve topped with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 715kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 27gFat: 45gSaturated Fat: 21gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 115mgSodium: 1450mgPotassium: 620mgFiber: 4gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1300IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 260mgIron: 3mg

Notes

  • Cajun seasoning brands vary in salt and heat, so season lightly at first.
  • Brown the sausage before adding the sauce ingredients for more flavor.
  • Stir frequently once the pasta is added so it does not stick.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick, loosen it with a splash of chicken broth.
  • The sauce thickens further as the pasta rests.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3–4 days.

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