Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta (Print-Friendly Version)

Cajun-spiced sausage and pasta blend in a creamy, comforting sauce with bell peppers and parmesan cheese.

# Ingredients You’ll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 to 16 ounces short-cut pasta, such as penne (substitute gluten-free pasta if required)

→ Protein

02 - 1 (12 ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, sliced on the bias

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 - 2 bell peppers, any color, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Spices & Seasonings

06 - 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning, divided
07 - Pinch red pepper flakes, to taste

→ Sauce Components

08 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
09 - 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
10 - 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
11 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
12 - 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

→ Garnish

13 - Fresh chopped parsley, for serving

# How to Make It:

01 - Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Salt the water generously, add pasta, and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining. Drain pasta without rinsing.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced andouille sausage with 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning. Cook until both sides are crisped, about 5 minutes. Transfer sausage to a clean plate.
03 - Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add diced onion and bell peppers, the remaining cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until vegetables are softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
04 - Whisk chicken broth, heavy cream, and tomato paste into the skillet until smooth. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then lower to medium-low and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to reduce and thicken slightly.
05 - Add grated parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir to incorporate. Return cooked pasta and sausage to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in sauce. If desired, thin the sauce with reserved pasta water. Serve immediately, garnishing with extra parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - For extra creamy texture, use full-fat coconut milk as a dairy-free substitute for heavy cream.

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