Description
Creamy Cajun sausage pasta with smoked chicken or turkey sausage, bell peppers, Parmesan cheese, and bold Cajun flavor in a rich skillet sauce.
Ingredients
16 ounces short pasta, such as penne
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, divided
12 ounces smoked chicken or turkey sausage, sliced
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 bell peppers, diced
Pinch of red pepper flakes, optional
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Fresh parsley, chopped, for serving
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken or turkey sausage with 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. Cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned. Transfer the sausage to a plate.
3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the onion, bell peppers, remaining Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for about 3 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and tomato paste until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Add the cooked pasta and browned sausage back to the skillet, tossing until everything is coated in the creamy sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
6. Serve warm with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Notes
Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
Use smoked chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
Add extra Cajun seasoning for more heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Quick & Easy Dinners
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired American