# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz penne pasta
→ Meats
02 - 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 small red bell pepper, diced
→ Sauce
07 - 1 cup heavy cream
08 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
10 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 - Salt, to taste
→ Garnish
13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
14 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water, then set pasta aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly browned. Remove sausage and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
04 - Reduce heat to medium and pour in heavy cream. Stir in Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Cook, stirring until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
05 - Return browned sausage to skillet, add cooked penne, and toss to combine. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
06 - Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese over the top. Serve immediately while hot.
