Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) of smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced
- 8 oz (225 g) of your favorite pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (120 g) shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and prepare them as described. Slice the sausage, chop the onion, mince the garlic, and halve the cherry tomatoes for smooth cooking.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, add onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the aromatic mixture, stirring well. Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat it evenly with the spices. Pour in the chicken broth or water, bringing the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, add the cooked sausage back into the pan, and cover. Simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick.
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened, around 2-3 minutes. Add cherry tomatoes, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss everything together to combine.
Notes
- Use smoked sausage or kielbasa for authentic smoky flavor.
- If you like it spicier, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with milk or half-and-half, and use less cheese.
- Ensure pasta is cooked al dente to avoid mushiness in the sauce.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can elevate the flavor profile of your sausage pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Creole/Cajun
- Diet: Nut-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1¼ cups)
- Calories: 620 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 43 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg