Welcome to a delicious and simple recipe for Sausage Fajita Pasta!
This dish combines the rich flavors of smoked sausage with the vibrant tastes of fajita-style vegetables and a creamy, spicy sauce.
Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this pasta dish is sure to be a hit.
Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to make this mouthwatering meal.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Sausage Fajita Pasta:
- 1 Pound Rigatoni Pasta: Any pasta shape will work, but rigatoni is great for holding the sauce.
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil: You can also use any neutral cooking oil you prefer.
- 1 Pound Smoked Sausage: Beef or turkey, sliced into 1-inch pieces.
- 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the dish.
- ½ Medium Red Onion: Sliced.
- ½ Red Bell Pepper: Or use a whole pepper, sliced.
- ½ Green Bell Pepper: Or use a whole pepper, sliced.
- Pinch of Salt: For seasoning the onions and bell peppers.
- 3 Cloves Garlic: Minced for a fresh garlic flavor.
- 1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste: Adds depth to the sauce.
- 3 Cups Heavy Cream: For a creamy sauce.
- ½ Cup Chicken Broth: Adds flavor and helps thin the sauce.
- ½ Teaspoon Kosher Salt: Or to taste.
- 2 Teaspoon Black Pepper: Or to taste.
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder: For extra garlic flavor.
- 1 Teaspoon Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy taste.
- 1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs.
- 1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor.
- ½ Teaspoon Chili Powder: For a bit of heat.
- ¼ Cup Pasta Water: Reserved from the cooked pasta.
- 1 Cup Parmesan Cheese: Shredded.
- Italian Parsley: Minced for garnish.
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions.
Generally, you’ll want to boil 1 pound of pasta in 4 quarts of water with 2 tablespoons of kosher salt until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
Don’t forget to save some of the pasta water for later!
2. Cook the Sausage
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they’re browned.
Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
Once the butter is melted, add the sliced red onion and cook for 1 minute.
Then, add the sliced red and green bell peppers along with a pinch of salt.
Cook for another minute, then add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
4. Make the Sauce
Next, mix in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and ½ cup of chicken broth.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and scrape up any bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Add 3 cups of heavy cream and mix well.
Then, season the sauce with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, 2 teaspoons of black pepper, 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, cumin, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon of chili powder.
Stir the sauce continuously and turn up the heat slightly to bring it to a high simmer.
5. Thicken the Sauce
Once the sauce is at a high simmer, slightly reduce the heat and add in ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water.
Mix well and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken.
6. Combine and Serve
After the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool for about 2 minutes.
Stir in 1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and combined.
Then, toss in the cooked rigatoni pasta and browned sausage, making sure everything is well coated in the sauce.
Garnish with minced Italian parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Enjoy Your Meal!
Your Sausage Fajita Pasta is now ready to be enjoyed.
This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and is sure to impress anyone you share it with. Bon appétit!
For more delicious recipes and cooking tips, don’t forget to check out my blog. Happy cooking!