Creamy, spicy dish with smoked sausage and pasta, perfect for quick, flavorful weeknight meals.
# What You Need:
→ Sausage & Vegetables
01 - 14 oz smoked sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Pasta & Liquids
05 - 12 oz penne pasta (or other short pasta)
06 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
07 - 1 cup heavy cream
→ Cheeses
08 - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
→ Seasonings
09 - 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
10 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1/4 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
12 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
→ Garnish
13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
14 - Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
# How to Make:
01 - Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.
02 - Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
03 - Stir in the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, heavy cream, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to submerge the pasta mostly in the liquid.
05 - Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
06 - Remove skillet from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
