Savory penne tossed with smoky sausage, Cajun spices, and creamy Alfredo sauce for a quick comforting meal.
# Components:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz penne pasta
→ Sausage
02 - 12 oz smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa), sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
08 - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, plus more to taste
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
→ Garnish
12 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
# Method:
01 - Boil penne in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook 3 to 4 minutes until browned. Remove and reserve.
03 - In the same skillet, melt butter. Add chopped onion and diced red bell pepper, cooking 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Add heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and smoked paprika to the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer.
05 - Lower heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until fully melted and sauce is smooth.
06 - Return browned sausage to skillet, add cooked penne, and toss to coat all components evenly with sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional Cajun seasoning if desired.
07 - Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
