Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb sausage (Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or turkey sausage—your choice!): The sausage is the star of the dish, offering savory flavors that balance out the heat.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: The key to the smoky, spicy kick that makes this pasta pop. Adjust to your spice preference!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For browning the sausage and adding a little richness to the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): A must for adding depth and aroma to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This adds the luscious creaminess that coats the pasta beautifully.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: To loosen up the sauce and give it the perfect consistency.
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape): The pasta is the perfect vehicle to soak up all that creamy goodness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For that cheesy richness that makes everything come together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To balance out all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): A little pop of color and freshness to finish the dish.
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t forget to save a cup of pasta water—it’ll help bring the sauce together later if it’s too thick.
- Brown the Sausage:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Let it brown for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the sausage is cooked through and crispy on the edges, transfer it to a plate and set it aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. You want to be careful not to burn it, so stay close!
- Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, stirring to coat the garlic in the spices. The aroma will be amazing—trust me on this one.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any delicious brown bits from the bottom of the pan (this adds so much flavor!).
- Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken up and become beautifully creamy.
- Combine the Pasta and Sausage:
- Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet, along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a creamy, cheesy coating.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the pasta and add salt and pepper as needed. Depending on the Cajun seasoning you used, you might want to adjust the heat level. Add a little extra seasoning if you want it spicier!
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once everything is combined and creamy, it’s time to plate up. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color, and maybe even an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for that perfect finishing touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 26g