A bold and creamy one-skillet pasta dish featuring smoked sausage, Cajun seasoning, and a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. Comfort food with a kick.
12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
14 oz smoked sausage, sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 bell pepper, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1½–2 tsp Cajun seasoning
¾ cup chicken broth
1½ cups heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: Fresh parsley or green onion, red pepper flakes
Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
Brown sausage in olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove and set aside.
Sauté onion and bell pepper until soft. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds.
Stir in Cajun seasoning, broth, and cream. Simmer gently.
Add Parmesan and sausage. Stir in pasta.
Toss to coat. Adjust consistency with pasta water.
Garnish and serve warm.
Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
Add spinach, mushrooms, or shrimp for variation.
Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth.