Description
A quick and easy one-pan Cajun sausage ravioli skillet recipe. This dish features spicy Italian sausage, cheese ravioli, colorful bell peppers, onions, and garlic in a creamy Parmesan Cajun sauce. It’s a flavorful and comforting meal ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- ½ large red onion, diced
- 6–7 garlic cloves, minced
- 25 oz bag frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 tbsp garlic seasoning blend
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾–1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. After 3–4 minutes, stir in the diced bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Continue to sauté for 8–10 minutes until sausage is browned and veggies are soft.
- Sprinkle in the garlic seasoning, Cajun spice, and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for 1 minute until the spices bloom and become fragrant.
- Pour in the broth and heavy cream, then stir in the Parmesan cheese. Stir slowly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- While the sauce simmers, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese ravioli and cook according to the package (usually 3–4 minutes if frozen). Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain the ravioli.
- Gently add the cooked ravioli and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir carefully to avoid breaking the pasta. Let everything simmer on low for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and clings to the pasta.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, topped with extra grated Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the smoothest sauce.
- Add spinach or kale at the end for extra nutrients.
- Reserved pasta water helps thicken and emulsify the sauce.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- Mild or sweet sausage can be used for a less spicy version.
- Deglaze with white wine instead of broth for a richer flavor.
- Experiment with different ravioli fillings like spinach and ricotta or mushroom.
- Do not overcook the ravioli, as they will finish cooking in the sauce.
- The sauce and sausage mixture can be prepared up to 2 days in advance.
- Add crushed tomatoes for a pink sauce variation.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth, or in the microwave on 50% power.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Hearty Mains
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 625 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 940mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg