- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound smoked sausage sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 1 can 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Sausage: In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Combine Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes, heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, and cooked pasta to the pot. Stir to combine and heat through, about 3-5 minutes.
Finish and Serve: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Use smoked sausage for the best flavor – Andouille or kielbasa work well.
Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your spice tolerance; start with less and add more as needed.
Heavy cream or half-and-half both work, but heavy cream makes it extra rich and creamy.
Add veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to boost nutrition and flavor.
Pasta options: Penne, rotini, or fettuccine all hold the sauce nicely.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
Optional garnish: Fresh parsley or grated Parmesan adds a nice finishing touch.
Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 550kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 880mg | Potassium: 420mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 950IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 130mg | Iron: 2.1mg