A rich + creamy cajun sausage pasta with ingredients that are easy to find! Use whatever smoked sausage you like here and char it in an easy homemade cajun seasoning. Be sure to read through the recipe and have all the ingredients ready before you start cooking - it comes together quickly!
Prep Time20mins
Cook Time20mins
Total Time40mins
Course: Dinner
Servings: 6
Author: Mandy Jackson
Ingredients
For the Cajun Seasoning
1 1/2teaspoonspaprika
1teaspoonsalt
1teaspoongarlic powder
1teaspoonoregano
1teaspoondried thyme
1/2teaspoonpepper
1/2teaspoononion powder
1/2teaspooncayenne pepper
1/4teaspooncrushed red pepper flakes(omit if you want it less spicy)
For the Pasta
Cajun seasoning(recipe above)
1poundpenne,or whatever noodle shape you like!
1tablespoonunsalted butter
1tablespoonolive oil
1(12-ounce)smoked sausage,sliced into 1/2-inch coins (see note)
2bell peppers,sliced 1/4-inch thick
1red onion,sliced 1/4-inch thick
3garlic cloves,minced
1(14 ounce) candiced fire roasted tomatoes
2cupsheavy cream
1cupfreshly grated parmesan cheese
For topping: more grated parmesan, sliced green onion
Directions
For the Cajun Seasoning
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
For the Pasta
Cook noodles in a large pot of salted water until just shy of al dente - about 1 minute short of package directions. Drain.Meanwhile, heat butter and olive together in a Dutch oven over medium. Once melted, add the sausage slices and 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning. Stir to coat and cook until sausage is browned and beginning to crisp - about 5-7 minutes. Remove to a bowl with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add peppers and onion to the Dutch oven, adding more olive oil if needed. Cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to char but still crisp, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add the garlic and remaining Cajun seasoning. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until fragrant - about 30 seconds. Add the canned tomato and use the juices to deglaze any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Stir in the cream. Add the noodles and parmesan cheese. Continue cooking and stirring for 2-3 minutes, until noodles are cooked all the way through and sauce has thickened. Stir in the sausage. Serve immediately, topped with more shredded parmesan and sliced green onion.
Notes
The sausage - I use beef here, but any variety of smoked sausage will work. You'll find it with the cured meats (bacon/hot dogs).
Did you make this recipe?Mention @itsmandyjackson on instagram so I can admire + share it!