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Delish Cajun Sausage Pasta

Delish Cajun Sausage Pasta

Smoky andouille sausage, tender penne, and a creamy Cajun-spiced sauce loaded with peppers, onions, and Parmesan. A family-friendly weeknight pasta with bold Louisiana flavor in every bite.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 0.5 lb andouille sausage sliced into 0.5 inch rounds
  • 1 cup red bell pepper diced
  • 0.5 cup green bell pepper diced
  • 0.75 cup yellow onion diced
  • 2 clove garlic minced
  • 2 tsp Cajun seasoning adjust to taste
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper optional for extra heat
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 14.5 oz fire-roasted diced tomatoes, canned drained
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 0.75 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice fresh
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 piece green onions sliced for garnish
  • 0.25 cup reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne until just al dente according to package directions. Reserve 0.25 cup pasta water, then drain.
  • Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add sliced andouille and cook, turning, until browned at the edges, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
  • Reduce heat to medium. Add butter, then the bell peppers and onion. SautĂ© until softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  • Pour in chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits. Add drained fire-roasted tomatoes. Simmer 3 minutes to slightly reduce.
  • Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream, then return the browned sausage to the skillet. Simmer 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Add drained pasta and Parmesan. Toss to coat, loosening with a splash of reserved pasta water as needed until the sauce clings to the pasta.
  • Stir in lemon juice and parsley. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning if needed.
  • Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions. Enjoy!

Notes

For a lighter dish, swap half-and-half for the heavy cream and use turkey sausage. Spice levels vary by Cajun seasoning brand—start modestly and add more to taste.