Creamy Cajun-style pasta with smoked sausage, penne, and rich Alfredo sauce, quick and flavorful.
# What You Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz penne pasta
→ Meats
02 - 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
→ Sauce
07 - 2 cups heavy cream
08 - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
10 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Garnish
13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
14 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese
# Steps:
01 - Boil penne pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add smoked sausage slices, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until browned.
03 - Add chopped onion and diced red bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until softened, then stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Pour in heavy cream and season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt; bring to a gentle simmer.
05 - Reduce heat, add grated Parmesan cheese, and stir until fully melted and sauce is creamy.
06 - Add cooked penne to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat with sauce; adjust seasoning to taste.
07 - Plate immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
