Ingredients
Sausage
- 13 oz. andouille sausage links (about 4 links), sliced into medallions
Vegetables
- 6 oz. fresh baby bella mushrooms, cleaned and thinly sliced
- ½ medium red bell pepper, stemmed, seeds removed, and thinly sliced
- ½ medium yellow bell pepper, stemmed, seeds removed, and thinly sliced
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
Pasta & Liquids
- 12 oz. gluten-free penne pasta
- ½ cup (120 g) canned, diced fire-roasted tomatoes
- 3 ½ cups (830 ml) chicken broth
Seasonings & Dairy
- 2 tablespoons no-salt or low-salt Cajun seasoning mix
- 7 oz. cream cheese
- salt, to taste
Optional Toppings
- fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
- red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook sausage: Heat a large skillet or braiser over medium heat. Add the sliced andouille sausage medallions and sear on both sides until they crisp up slightly, about 4 minutes total. Remove the sausage and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, keeping the sausage fat in the skillet.
- Cook veggies: In the same skillet with the retained sausage oil, add the sliced mushrooms, red and yellow bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the mushrooms begin to brown and the vegetables soften.
- Add pasta and liquids: Add the gluten-free penne, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning to the skillet. Stir until everything is evenly distributed, then place a lid on top and bring the broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer pasta: Once boiling, reduce heat to medium. Allow the pasta to simmer, partially covered, for 12-15 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender but still al dente.
- Add cream cheese: Cut the cream cheese into chunks and stir it into the skillet until it fully melts and combines with the broth to create a thick, creamy sauce coating the pasta.
- Combine and finish: Return the cooked sausage medallions to the skillet. Season with salt to taste, stir everything together thoroughly, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through. Serve topped with freshly chopped Italian parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- For less heat, adjust the Cajun seasoning or omit red pepper flakes.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content.
- Searing the sausage first not only adds flavor but also releases flavorful oils that enhance the dish.
- Stir the pasta regularly during cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easier melting and incorporation into the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free