Some people don’t like pasta. My sister doesn’t like pasta. And I’m all like, “Okay…uh…I mean, that’s cool, I guess..”, but in my head I’m really thinking, “Weirrrdooo….”. Not really. But I do love pasta. Pretty much any time I get a craving it’s for either pasta or a biscuit and let’s be honest: those are basically the carbiest carbs ever. So, sometimes when I make pasta I like to toss in some chopped up vegetables and a protein and I think, “Okay…so…this is pretty balanced.” And then I throw in a bunch of parmesan and heavy cream and ruin the whole thing.
This dish is a favorite in our house. It’s spicy and flavorful. And it’s simple and quick and really hits the spot when I’m wanting something rich and feel-goody. And it’s super personalizable. Use whatever veggies you have on hand and switch up the amounts if you want to. Get crazy if you feel like it. Mmhmm.
creamy cajun pasta
serves 4-6
ingredients:
12 oz andouille sausage, sliced
1 cup trimmed and cut fresh green beans
1 cup chopped fresh broccoli
1 small yellow squash, quartered and chopped
1/2 cup frozen peas
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/8 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dried thyme
salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 lb mini farfalle (or the pasta of your choice), cooked according to package directions
create:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sausage slices and cook until both sides are browned, about 10 minutes total. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Add the green beans, broccoli, squash, and peas to the pan and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Remove the vegetables and set aside.
Add the butter to the pan and allow to melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until soft and fragrant, about 1 minute. Reduce the heat to medium low and add the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow to simmer until the cream is thickened and reduced slightly, about 7 minutes. Stir in the cayenne pepper, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the parmesan cheese and stir until completely melted and smooth.
Return the sausage and vegetables to the pan, add the cooked pasta, and stir until everything is well coated with the sauce. Serve immediately.
