Quick and Cheap Cajun Pasta Dinner

 I've said this many of times, but Mike and I are big BIG fans of Cajun cooking. Since leaving Louisiana, Cajun food is pretty much no where in sight. When we get cravings for a good crawfish boil, we have to resort to gumbo or jambalaya to satisfy our craving OR cramp our budget and go out to eat. We like to go with option one in most cases. Budget budget budget!!

When our craving hit us this time, I was found without corn, potatoes, and even shrimp. I took a good glance in my freezer and saw the sausage laying on top. Soooo-per!!!

I whipped up a quick Cajun pasta dinner with stuff that I had on hand...and boy howdy was it delicious! My budget was for sure loving this idea and yours might as well.

Here's what you'll need:
1 can diced tomatoes
1 sliced bell pepper (color not important but green is definitely going to be stronger)
1/2 onion sliced
1/2 box of pasta (I had shells)
1 package of sausage (Mine was plain smoked)
1 Tbspn Cajun seasoning
1/2 tspn minced garlic
1/4 tspn salt and pepper
3 Tbspn olive oil

Start your water to boil and go ahead and cook your pasta.
Heat your oil in a skillet and toss in your pepper and veggies. Let them cook until they're tender. Add in your garlic and half of the Cajun seasoning. Let cook 3-5 minutes.

Add in your sausage and cook for 10 minutes. Then add in your tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes more.

Add your cooked pasta, salt and pepper, and remaining Cajun seasoning. Toss it together and serve. Sorry for the picture...the steam wouldn't let me get a clear picture. It looked pretty I promise.

I love quick dinner like this. Less than thirty minutes to prepare and that's including thinking about what to cook AND letting the sausage thaw for a bit in some warm water. What's not to love about quick meals? Right? Especially when they're yummy.

Ask Savannah....

She even enjoyed it!


This post is linked to the following parties:
Tuesday at the Table
Tempt my Tummy Tuesday
Tasty Tuesday
Slightly Indulgent Tuesday