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One Skillet Cajun Sausage Penne with colorful ingredients and spices

One Skillet Bold Cajun Sausage Penne

A flavorful and hearty dish that combines Cajun sausage, penne pasta, and vibrant vegetables in a creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 oz Cajun sausage Can use other types of sausage
  • 2 cups Penne pasta Substitutes can be macaroni or rigatoni
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil Can substitute with vegetable oil
  • 1 medium Onion, diced Yellow or white onion works best
  • 1 Bell pepper, diced Red, green, or yellow are suitable
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced Can use garlic powder as a substitute
  • 14 oz Canned tomatoes Use diced or crushed tomatoes
  • 3 cups Chicken broth Vegetable broth can be used instead
  • 1 cup Heavy cream For a lighter option, use half-and-half
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning You can adjust according to taste
  • To taste Salt and pepper Season as desired
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated Can use nutritional yeast for vegan option
  • Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish, can substitute with basil

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet.
  2. Add the diced onion and bell pepper; sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the sliced Cajun sausage into the skillet and cook until browned, around 4-5 minutes.
  5. Pour in the canned tomatoes and chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
  6. Stir in the penne pasta, cover the skillet, and cook according to the pasta package instructions until al dente.
  7. Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  8. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce is creamy.
  9. Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

For a balanced flavor, consider using a blend of sausage types, including spicy and mild. Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice tolerance. Letting the dish sit for a few minutes will help the flavors meld together better. Add a splash of lemon juice before serving for freshness. Use high-quality heavy cream for a richer sauce.