# Components:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz penne pasta
→ Sausage
02 - 12 oz smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa), sliced 1/4-inch rounds
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce
06 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
07 - 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
08 - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
10 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
11 - 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
→ Garnish
12 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Boil penne pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, melt butter, then sauté onion and red bell pepper 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Stir in heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Bring to a simmer.
05 - Reduce heat to low, add Parmesan cheese, and stir until sauce is smooth.
06 - Return sausage to skillet, add cooked penne, and toss to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning with more Cajun spice if desired.
07 - Plate and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot.
