Cajun Spicy Italian Sausage Cheesy Rigatoni
Ingredients:
1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casing removed
1 pound rigatoni pasta
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup chicken broth
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Olive oil (for cooking sausage)
Directions:
Cook the rigatoni pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside.
Cook the sausage: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through.
Prepare the Cajun-spiced sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the sausage in the spices.
Add the cream and broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Add the cheese: Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, letting them melt and create a creamy, cheesy sauce.
Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta with the creamy Cajun sausage sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
Serve and garnish: Plate the Cajun spicy Italian sausage cheesy rigatoni and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately for a flavorful, creamy meal!
Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~800 per serving