Save A creamy, spicy one-pot pasta dish featuring smoked sausage, tender pasta, and a bold Cajun Alfredo sauce—perfect for busy weeknights.
This dish is always a hit when I need a quick flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
- Sausage & Vegetables: 14 oz (400 g) smoked sausage sliced into ¼ inch rounds 1 medium yellow onion diced 1 medium red bell pepper diced 2 cloves garlic minced
- Pasta & Liquids: 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta (or other short pasta) 4 cups (1 liter) low sodium chicken broth 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- Cheeses: 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Seasonings: 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store bought or homemade) ½ teaspoon black pepper ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste) ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra smokiness)
- Garnish: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium high heat Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3 4 minutes stirring occasionally until browned
- Step 2:
- Add the diced onion and red bell pepper Sauté for 3 minutes until vegetables start to soften
- Step 3:
- Stir in the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning Cook for 1 minute until fragrant
- Step 4:
- Add the uncooked pasta chicken broth heavy cream black pepper salt and smoked paprika Stir well ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged
- Step 5:
- Bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat to medium low Cover and simmer for 12 14 minutes stirring occasionally until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed
- Step 6:
- Remove from heat Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth
- Step 7:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed
- Step 8:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving
Save My family loves gathering around this dish, especially on busy nights when a comforting meal is needed quickly.
Notes
For extra heat add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce Use gluten free pasta for dietary preferences Pair with crisp green salad and garlic bread for a full meal
Required Tools
Large deep skillet or Dutch oven with lid Wooden spoon or spatula Chefs knife Cutting board Measuring cups and spoons
Nutritional Information
Calories 680 Total Fat 38 g Carbohydrates 54 g Protein 29 g per serving
Save Enjoy this flavorful dish with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan for the final touch
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of sausage works best?
Smoked sausage sliced into thin rounds adds rich smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- → Can I substitute the pasta?
Yes, penne works well, but other short pasta like rigatoni or rotini can also be used for similar texture and sauce coating.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce will increase heat, while reducing Cajun seasoning softens the spice intensity.
- → Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and verify that the sausage and broth are gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.
- → What sides complement this dish?
Crisp green salads and garlic bread balance the richness and enhance the meal’s overall flavor experience.