Description
A creamy and flavorful pasta dish with smoked sausage, bell peppers, and Cajun seasoning.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 small yellow onion (finely diced)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 package (13 ounces) smoked sausage (coined)
- 2 bell peppers (thinly sliced)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 package (8 ounces) baby bella mushrooms (sliced)
- 3–1/2 cups penne pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 2–4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (finely diced, optional)
Instructions
- Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the sausage into thin coins. Remove the stems and seeds from the bell peppers, then thinly slice.
- Heat a large cast-iron pan or pot over medium-high. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon oil. Add the sausage coins and sear, stirring occasionally, until browned. Transfer to a bowl with a slotted spoon, leaving the oil behind. Set aside.
- Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the pan and stir in the diced onion for 1 minute. Add sliced peppers and mushrooms, and sauté until crisp on the outside, about 6–8 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Transfer vegetables to the bowl with sausage.
- Cook pasta according to package directions, subtracting 1 minute. Generously salt the boiling water with 1 teaspoon salt per 4 cups water.
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, sprinkle flour and whisk until a roux forms. Cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute. Gradually pour in 1/2 the chicken stock. Whisk until thick. Gradually add remaining stock and milk, 1/2 cup at a time, whisking constantly.
- Increase heat to high and bring the sauce to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce to a gentle simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5–8 minutes.
- Melt the cream cheese in the microwave until very soft. Add to the sauce along with the Cajun seasoning, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk briskly until combined.
- Remove the cream sauce from heat. Stir in the cooked pasta, sausage, and vegetables, with any accumulated liquid. Toss until well coated. Gradually add Parmesan cheese, a few tablespoons at a time, until integrated. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley, if desired, and serve immediately. Optionally, grate more cheese atop individual bowls with a zester.
Notes
- Note 1: Smoked sausage adds depth of flavor; feel free to use your favorite type.
- Note 2: Penne pasta holds the sauce well; other pasta shapes can be used.
- Note 3: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will melt better than pre-grated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg