# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz penne pasta
→ Meats
02 - 10 oz smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
→ Dairy
07 - 1 cup heavy cream
08 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
→ Spices & Seasonings
10 - 1–1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning (to taste)
11 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
13 - 1/4 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
# Directions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add smoked sausage and sauté for 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove sausage and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, melt butter. Add onion and bell pepper; sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt over vegetables. Stir to coat evenly.
05 - Pour heavy cream into the skillet, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for 2 minutes.
06 - Stir Parmesan cheese into the sauce until melted and smooth.
07 - Return sausage to skillet. Add cooked penne and toss until everything is well coated and heated through. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
08 - Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
