Cajun Smoked Sausage Alfredo Pasta (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
02 - 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta

→ Sauce

03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
06 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1 cup heavy cream
08 - 1/2 cup chicken broth
09 - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

11 - Chopped parsley (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Fill a large saucepan with water, add a generous amount of salt, and bring to a boil. Add the fettuccine or penne and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and sauté until browned on both sides, about 5 to 6 minutes.
03 - Stir in the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
04 - Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
05 - Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
06 - Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta in the sauce and sausage, warming everything together for 1 to 2 minutes.
07 - Transfer to serving plates and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

# Notes:

01 - For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the seasonings. Leftovers should be refrigerated and enjoyed within 3 days.