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- 12 oz penne pasta - 1 lb Andouille sausage, sliced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, chopped - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup frozen peas - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - Salt and black pepper - Fresh parsley for garnish Gathering the right ingredients is key. First, you need 12 ounces of penne pasta. This pasta shape holds onto the sauce well. Next, get one pound of sliced Andouille sausage. This sausage adds a spicy kick. You will also need one tablespoon of olive oil. This helps cook the sausage and veggies. A medium onion, chopped, and a red bell pepper, diced, are also must-haves. They add sweetness and crunch to the dish. Don’t forget two cloves of minced garlic. Garlic gives a nice aroma and flavor. A teaspoon of Cajun seasoning brings heat and zest. You’ll need a 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. This gives the dish moisture and flavor. One cup of chicken broth adds richness. Next, grab one cup of heavy cream. This makes the sauce creamy and smooth. You will also need one cup of frozen peas for color and sweetness. Finally, one cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese adds a rich taste. Be sure to have salt and black pepper to taste, plus fresh parsley for a bright finish. These ingredients combine to create a flavor-packed meal. Each one plays an important role in making your Cajun Sausage Pasta Skillet a hit. - Boil salted water in a large pot. - Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook until al dente. - Drain the pasta and set it aside. - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. - Add 1 lb sliced Andouille sausage and cook until browned and crispy. - Once done, set the sausage aside on a plate. - In the same skillet, add 1 medium chopped onion and 1 diced red bell pepper. - Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. - Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, cooking for 1 minute. - Pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes and 1 cup chicken broth. - Stir well and bring the mix to a gentle simmer. - Add 1 cup heavy cream and return the cooked sausage to the skillet. - Gently fold in the cooked penne pasta and 1 cup frozen peas. - Heat through for about 2-3 minutes until everything is warm. - Mix in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until melted. - Ensure pasta is al dente for best texture. - Adjust Cajun seasoning to fit your taste. Cooking pasta just right is key. Al dente means the pasta has a slight firmness. It holds up better in the dish. If you like spice, add more Cajun seasoning. This can make your dish pop with flavor. - Serve in wide bowls for visual appeal. - Garnish with extra cheese and parsley. Serving in wide bowls makes the dish look fancy. It gives space for all the colors. A sprinkle of cheese adds richness. Fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds color. - To fix a too-thick sauce, add a splash of chicken broth. - If your dish tastes bland, try adding a pinch of salt or more seasoning. If your sauce is too thick, it can be a problem. Just add a little chicken broth. This brings it back to the right consistency. If the flavor is not strong enough, season it. A little extra salt or Cajun seasoning can make a big difference. {{image_4}} You can change the pasta shape for fun. Try fusilli or rotini for a twist. They hold sauce well and add texture. If you want a different sausage, use smoked sausage or chorizo. These give great flavor and spice. To make this dish gluten-free, swap penne with gluten-free pasta. Many brands work well and taste good. For a vegan option, use plant-based sausage and non-dairy cream. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Feel free to add extra veggies to boost nutrition. Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms work great. They add color and flavor. You can also try different spices. Smoked paprika or cayenne pepper will give an extra kick. Adjust to your personal taste for a unique dish every time. To keep your Cajun sausage pasta fresh, store it in the fridge. Place the pasta in an airtight container. It will last for 3 to 4 days. If you want to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container or bag. Press out excess air to avoid freezer burn. Frozen pasta can last up to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy leftovers, use the stovetop to reheat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it moist. Stir it well over low heat until hot. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This method helps keep the texture nice and creamy. Cajun Sausage Pasta Skillet lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat later. Yes, you can use fresh sausage. Any sausage will work, but Andouille adds a unique flavor. Consider using Italian or chicken sausage for a different taste. The best way to reheat pasta is on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat on low, stirring often for even warmth. Absolutely! You can cook Cajun Sausage Pasta Skillet ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and reheat before serving. This saves time on busy nights. Cajun Sausage Pasta Skillet pairs well with garlic bread or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables. These sides add freshness and balance to the meal. You now know the full recipe for Cajun Sausage Pasta Skillet. We covered the ingredients, cooking steps, and storage tips. Remember to cook your pasta al dente for the best bite. Try different sausages or veggies to mix things up. Store leftovers well and reheat them carefully to keep the flavors strong. This dish is not only tasty but also easy to make and customize. Enjoy your cooking and feel free to share your results!

Cajun Sausage Pasta Skillet

Discover a delicious Cajun Sausage Pasta Skillet that will spice up your dinner routine! This one-pot recipe combines hearty penne pasta, savory Andouille sausage, colorful veggies, and creamy goodness in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend treat. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a burst of flavor that's sure to please everyone at the table!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz penne pasta

1 lb Andouille sausage, sliced into rounds

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 red bell pepper, diced into small pieces

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup frozen peas

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

    Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the sliced Andouille sausage, cooking for about 5 minutes or until browned and crispy. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.

      Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

        Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, cooking for an additional minute until the garlic is fragrant and well incorporated with the vegetables.

          Introduce Liquids: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (including their juices) and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to combine all the flavors.

            Incorporate Cream and Sausage: Slowly pour in the heavy cream and add the sautéed sausage back into the skillet. Stir everything together, allowing it to simmer for about 5 minutes, which will help thicken the sauce slightly.

              Combine Pasta and Peas: Gently fold in the cooked penne pasta and frozen peas, stirring until everything is well combined. Allow to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the pasta is heated through and the peas are warm.

                Melt the Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until it is fully melted and incorporated into the dish. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.

                  Serve and Garnish: Dish the Cajun sausage pasta into serving bowls and garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

                    Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: For an attractive presentation, serve the pasta on wide, shallow bowls, and top with an extra sprinkle of cheese and a few whole parsley leaves for garnish. Enjoy!