Ingredients
- 12 oz smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa), sliced
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or preferred shape)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the sausage mixture and stir to coat evenly.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and return pasta to the skillet. Toss until pasta is coated with sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes for extra heat, if desired.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Add bell peppers or spinach for extra vegetables.
- Swap cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter version.
- Use shrimp, chicken, or a mix of proteins for variety.
- Use any pasta you have on hand—just cook it al dente.
- Reheat with a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/4 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 95mg