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To make creamy Cajun sausage pasta, gather these ingredients: - 12 oz penne pasta - 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 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 cook this dish, you will need: - A large pot for boiling pasta - A large skillet for sautéing - A cutting board and knife for prepping - A measuring cup and spoons for accuracy - A serving spoon to mix and serve Here are some key measurements to keep in mind: - 12 oz of pasta is about three cups dry. - One pound of sausage equals about four links. - A tablespoon is three teaspoons. - One cup is 8 ounces, so use a measuring cup for liquids. - For fresh parsley, one small bunch is enough for garnish. These tips will help you gather everything you need for your creamy Cajun sausage pasta dish. Enjoy the cooking process and the tasty meal that follows! 1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the penne pasta and cook it for 9-11 minutes. Check it frequently until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Do not rinse it. This keeps the starch, which helps the sauce cling. 2. Sauté the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the sliced smoked sausage. Cook for 5-7 minutes. Stir it often until it gets brown and heated through. Once done, take the sausage out and set it on a plate. 3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often. The onion should become soft and clear. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 more minutes. Make sure the garlic doesn’t burn. 4. Add Seasonings: Mix in the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Let the spices cook for about a minute. This brings out their taste and helps coat the veggies. 5. Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to mix well, then let it simmer gently. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens a bit and becomes creamy. 6. Combine Ingredients: Lower the heat. Add the cooked sausage and drained pasta back into the skillet. Toss everything together. Make sure the pasta is well coated in the sauce. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until it melts and blends in. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed. 7. Serve: Divide the creamy Cajun sausage pasta into bowls. Top with freshly chopped parsley for extra flavor and color. Enjoy your tasty dish! - Always cook the pasta al dente. This keeps it firm and prevents it from becoming mushy in the sauce. - Let the sauce simmer long enough to thicken. This gives it a rich and creamy feel. - Stir the pasta gently when mixing. This prevents it from breaking apart. - Large Pot: For boiling the pasta. - Large Skillet: For sautéing and making the sauce. - Wooden Spoon: For stirring the ingredients and mixing the sauce. - Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurement of ingredients. - Colander: For draining the pasta easily. You can find the Full Recipe for more details. To boost the taste of your creamy Cajun sausage pasta, try these tips: - Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley adds a bright touch. Consider basil or thyme for more depth. - Add heat: If you like spice, add some crushed red pepper flakes. It elevates the dish. - Experiment with cheese: Swap Parmesan for smoked Gouda or pepper jack for a twist. - Finish with lemon: A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors and balances the creaminess. Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your pasta shines: - Overcooking the pasta: Follow package directions to keep it al dente. - Not seasoning enough: Don’t forget salt and pepper during cooking. Taste as you go. - Burning garlic: Add garlic last and cook it on low heat to keep it from burning. - Skipping the sauce simmer: Let the sauce thicken to achieve that creamy texture. Make your dish pop with these simple ideas: - Use a large bowl: Serve the pasta in a big, shallow bowl for an inviting look. - Garnish generously: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for color and freshness. - Add a sprinkle of cheese: A little extra Parmesan makes it look gourmet. - Serve with bread: Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in this creamy Cajun sausage pasta. Try chicken or shrimp for a tasty twist. Cook the chicken until golden, just like the sausage. For shrimp, add them in during the last few minutes of cooking. This keeps them tender and juicy. If you want a meat-free version, use plant-based sausage or mushrooms. Mushrooms add a great texture and earthy flavor. For a vegan dish, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a full flavor. You can easily customize this recipe with different veggies. Zucchini, spinach, or even cherry tomatoes work well. If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, mix paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. This keeps the dish flavorful. Parmesan cheese can be swapped with a dairy-free option for a vegan meal. Check out the Full Recipe for more details. After enjoying your creamy Cajun sausage pasta, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let the dish cool down to room temperature first. This helps keep it fresh. Place the container in the fridge. It will last for up to three days. If you want to save the pasta for later, freezing works great. Divide the pasta into portions and place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bags with the date. The pasta can stay in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat your creamy Cajun sausage pasta, use a microwave or stovetop. If using the microwave, place the pasta in a bowl and add a splash of water or cream. Cover it to keep moisture in. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If using the stovetop, warm it over low heat in a skillet. Stir often and add a bit of cream if it looks dry. Enjoy your meal just like the first time! You can use whole milk or a mix of milk and butter. For a lighter option, try half-and-half. Coconut milk is also great if you want a dairy-free choice. Each will change the taste slightly but will still create a creamy sauce. Yes! You can use gluten-free penne pasta. Many brands offer alternatives made from rice or corn. Just cook it according to the package instructions. The flavor will still shine through. Creamy Cajun sausage pasta lasts for about three to four days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool before putting it in the fridge to keep it fresh. Absolutely! You can cook the dish and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth to help the sauce regain its creaminess. For the full recipe, check out the ingredients and instructions listed above. It serves 4-6 people and takes about 30 minutes to prepare. Each serving packs a punch of flavor while providing a balanced meal with protein and veggies. This blog post covered essential ingredients and equipment for your dish. I provided detailed steps for cooking, along with tips for the best texture. I also shared tricks to enhance flavor and avoid common mistakes. Variations allow for personal touches, whether with proteins or vegetarian swaps. Lastly, I gave storage methods to keep leftovers fresh. With these tools and tips, you can create a tasty dish every time. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Savor the flavors of this creamy Cajun sausage pasta that’s quick and easy to make! With delicious smoked sausage, rich heavy cream, and zesty Cajun seasoning, this dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prep. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a hearty meal that delights every palate.
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Ingredients
  

12 oz penne pasta

1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

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: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 9-11 minutes, until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain and set aside, ensuring not to rinse the pasta to retain its starch.

    Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the sliced smoked sausage. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is nicely browned and heated through. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

      Sauté the Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add the diced onion along with the chopped red and green bell peppers. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are softened and the onion is translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

        Add Seasonings: Stir in the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, allowing the spices to cook for about a minute. This step will help to awaken their flavors and coat the vegetables evenly.

          Make the Sauce: Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for approximately 3-5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and becomes creamy.

            Combine Ingredients: Reduce the heat to low, then add the cooked sausage back into the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until each piece of pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until it's melted and fully incorporated. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary.

              Serve: Carefully divide the creamy Cajun sausage pasta among serving bowls. Finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top for added flavor and a pop of color. Enjoy your delicious creation!

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