Ingredients
Sausage
- 13 oz. andouille sausage links (about 4 links), sliced into medallions
Vegetables
- 6 oz. fresh baby bella mushrooms, cleaned and thinly sliced
- 1/2 medium red bell pepper, stemmed, seeds removed, thinly sliced
- 1/2 medium yellow bell pepper, stemmed, seeds removed, thinly sliced
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup canned, diced fire-roasted tomatoes
Pasta & Liquids
- 12 oz. gluten-free penne pasta
- 3 1/2 cups chicken broth
Seasonings & Dairy
- 2 tablespoons no-salt or low-salt Cajun seasoning mix
- 7 oz. cream cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Sausage: Add the sliced andouille sausage medallions to a large skillet or braiser set over medium heat. Sear the sausage on both sides until they develop a slightly crispy exterior, approximately 4 minutes total. Remove the cooked sausage and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Keep the rendered sausage oil in the skillet for extra flavor.
- Cook Veggies: In the same skillet with the sausage oil, add the sliced mushrooms, red and yellow bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes or until the mushrooms start to brown, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Main Ingredients: To the skillet, add the gluten-free penne pasta, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, and the Cajun seasoning mix. Stir gently to combine everything evenly. Cover the skillet with a lid and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook Pasta: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the pasta simmer uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir every couple of minutes to keep pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking until the pasta becomes tender but remains al dente.
- Add Cream Cheese: Cut the cream cheese into chunks and add it to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely, transforming the liquid into a thick, creamy Cajun sauce that coats the pasta and vegetables.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked sausage medallions to the skillet, season with salt to taste, and give everything a final thorough stir. Garnish with fresh Italian parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Searing the sausage first not only enhances the flavor but also releases flavorful oil that is used to cook the veggies, adding depth to the dish.
- Stirring the pasta frequently while simmering prevents sticking and promotes even cooking.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth and Cajun seasoning to control the salt content.
- For a vegetarian variation, substitute sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free