One Pan Smoky Cajun Butter Sausage Penne is a delightful dish that brings the bold and vibrant flavors of Cajun cuisine right to your dinner table with minimal effort. This recipe encapsulates the essence of southern comfort food while being a quick and easy meal that the entire family will love. With its creamy butter sauce and savory sausage, this one pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you're craving something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale:
12 ounces penne pasta
1 pound Cajun sausage, sliced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Additional Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
In a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced Cajun sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the diced onion, red, and green bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Stir in the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Add the penne pasta to the skillet, followed by the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes.
Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and remaining butter. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined and creamy.