Description
A quick and indulgent weeknight dinner featuring smoky sausage, a rich cream sauce, and pasta that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini preferred)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup frozen peas
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for topping
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Garlic bread and a simple green salad, optional sides
Instructions
- Slice the smoked sausage into ¼-inch rounds. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the sausage in a single layer until edges are crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let it burn.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the uncooked pasta and give it a stir to make sure pieces aren’t clumped. Cover the skillet and simmer, stirring every 5 minutes, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce thickens, about 12–15 minutes.
- Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, and peas. Stir for 1–2 minutes until the spinach wilts and peas are heated through.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley.
Notes
Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: smoked sausage, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner, one skillet, Cajun seasoning