Cajun Spiced Smoked Sausage (Printable)

Creamy pasta with smoky sausage, Cajun spices, and a rich Alfredo-style sauce for flavorful meals.

# What You Need:

→ Sausage & Vegetables

01 - 14 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Pasta & Liquids

05 - 12 ounces penne pasta or other short pasta
06 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
07 - 1 cup heavy cream

→ Cheeses

08 - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

→ Seasonings

09 - 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
10 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1/4 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
12 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional

→ Garnish

13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
14 - Extra Parmesan cheese for serving

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and cook the sliced smoked sausage for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned.
02 - Add diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for 3 minutes until they begin to soften.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add uncooked pasta, chicken broth, heavy cream, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika, stirring well to mostly submerge the pasta.
05 - Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
06 - Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan until sauce is creamy and smooth.
07 - Taste and adjust salt or pepper to preference.
08 - Top with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick and easy for busy weeknights
  • Bold Cajun flavors combined with creamy Alfredo sauce
02 -
  • You can easily make this gluten-free using gluten-free pasta
  • For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce
03 -
  • Substitute turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version
  • Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal
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