# Needed Ingredients:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 ounces penne pasta
02 - 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
→ Sausage & Vegetables
03 - 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
05 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
06 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce
08 - 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
09 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
11 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
13 - 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
→ Garnish
14 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
15 - Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until browned.
03 - Add diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
04 - Reduce heat to medium. Pour in heavy cream and stir in Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer.
05 - Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
06 - Add cooked penne to the sauce and sausage mixture. Toss until pasta is well coated and heated through.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
