Ingredients
- 10 ounces beef sausage (such as Italian beef sausage or your favorite beef sausage variety)
- 4 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 cups chicken broth (add more if needed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Slice the beef sausage into thin rounds. Chop the bell peppers, onions, and spinach (if using). Measure out Cajun seasoning, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
- Cook the Beef Sausage and Veggies: In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced beef sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside. In the same pot, add the diced bell peppers and onions, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Create the Base: Stir in the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using), and cook for another minute to release the flavors of the spices. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta directly into the pot with the simmering broth. Stir occasionally and cook until the pasta is al dente, about 10 minutes. Add more broth if needed to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Return the Sausage: Add the cooked beef sausage back into the pot and mix well, ensuring the sausage is evenly distributed in the creamy sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Top with fresh spinach (optional) and chopped parsley. For extra flavor, you can add red pepper flakes or more Cajun seasoning to taste.
Notes
- Feel free to swap the beef sausage for chicken sausage or a plant-based sausage for a lighter option.
- Add mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for extra vegetables and flavor.
- For more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food, One-Pot Meal
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
