# What you need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz penne pasta
→ Sausage
02 - 12 oz smoked sausage (e.g., andouille or kielbasa), sliced into ¼-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 - 1½ cups heavy cream
08 - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
10 - ¼ tsp black pepper
11 - ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
→ Garnish
12 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
# How to Make It:
01 - Prepare penne in salted boiling water following package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook 3 to 4 minutes until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, melt butter. Sauté onion and red bell pepper for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Stir in heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
05 - Lower heat and add Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until sauce is smooth and cheese melts.
06 - Return browned sausage to skillet. Add cooked penne and toss thoroughly to coat with sauce. Adjust seasoning with extra Cajun spice as desired.
07 - Plate pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot.
