Cajun Pasta with Sausage and Peppers

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook for 2-3 minutes to sear slightly, stirring partway through.

Step 2

Add the onions and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the sliced peppers and garlic. Continue to cook and stir for another 3-5 minutes until onions have softened and peppers are tender-crisp. Transfer the sausage, peppers, and onions to a plate and set aside.

Step 3

Add the diced tomatoes and water to the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Bring to a boil over high heat, then add the pasta. Cover and reduce the heat to medium-low, simmering until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 4

Meanwhile, blend the milk, cream cheese, Cajun or Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, and flour in a blender.

Step 5

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 60 seconds.

Step 6

Add the blended milk mixture to the garlic and butter. Cook and stir until slightly thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in the parmesan cheese.

Step 7

Add the sausage and peppers along with the cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring until everything is combined.

Step 8

Serve with additional parmesan cheese and chopped parsley sprinkled on top.