Name: Cheap Cajun Sausage Pasta With Peppers Under $10
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 oz Penne or Rotini pasta ($1.00); 12 oz Smoked Sausage or Kielbasa, sliced into rounds ($3.50); 2 Bell Peppers (any color), sliced into strips ($2.00); 1 small Yellow Onion, thinly sliced ($0.50); 3 cloves Garlic, minced ($0.25); 1.5 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning ($0.25); 1 cup Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half ($1.50); 1/2 cup Pasta Water (reserved from boiling); 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil ($0.10); Optional: Dried parsley or extra black pepper for garnish

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz Penne or Rotini pasta ($1.00)
12 oz Smoked Sausage or Kielbasa, sliced into rounds ($3.50)
2 Bell Peppers (any color), sliced into strips ($2.00)
1 small Yellow Onion, thinly sliced ($0.50)
3 cloves Garlic, minced ($0.25)
1.5 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning ($0.25)
1 cup Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half ($1.50)
1/2 cup Pasta Water (reserved from boiling)
1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil ($0.10)
Optional: Dried parsley or extra black pepper for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne or rotini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, carefully scoop out about half a cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside. Drain the rest of the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Sear the Sausage. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage rounds to the pan. Cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they develop a nice brown crust on both sides. This browning adds a deep, smoky flavor to the entire dish.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions directly into the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute more until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Cajun Sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the mixture. Stir well to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Combine and Toss. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Taste and add more Cajun seasoning if you want extra heat.
Step 6: Plating. Divide the pasta into four bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of dried parsley or a crack of black pepper. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Cook Time: 30 minutes