Creamy Cajun Pasta

Creamy Cajun Pasta with Smoked Sausage: Quick & Easy 20-Minute Weeknight Dinner

Yield: 4 servings

Duration: 20–25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 12 oz penne

• 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced (I prefer Andouille Cajun Sausage)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• ½ yellow onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning

• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes

• ½ cup heavy whipping cream

• Parmesan for topping

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Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne and cook according to the package directions for al dente. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Sauté the sausage and vegetables: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced smoked sausage. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's nicely browned. Add the sliced bell pepper and chopped onion to the skillet. Continue to cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute more, until fragrant.

3. Simmer the sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Stir in the Cajun seasoning and the undrained diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

4. Finish and serve: Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the cream or half-and-half and stir until it's fully incorporated. Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency. Serve immediately, topped with Parmesan cheese.