– 8 oz. penne or fettuccine pasta
– 1 lb. spicy sausage (Italian or Andouille), sliced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Creating Spicy Cajun Pasta with Sausage is straightforward when you follow these easy-to-follow steps:
1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sliced sausage. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the oil in the skillet.
3. Cook Vegetables: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add Tomatoes and Cream: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juice) and heavy cream. Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer.
5. Season: Add Cajun seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine the flavors.
6. Return the Sausage: Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet. Let simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Combine Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
8. Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and chopped parsley for added color and flavor.
This step-by-step approach ensures your dish is ready to enjoy without any hassle. Each step is designed to maximize flavor while minimizing effort.