Save to Pinterest A creamy, spicy one-pan pasta featuring smoky sausage, succulent shrimp, and a rich Cajun Alfredo sauce is perfect for weeknight comfort meals.
When I first made this Cajun sausage & shrimp Alfredo pasta skillet, my family couldn't resist the aroma—everyone gathered in the kitchen eager to taste the bold flavors!
Ingredients
- Andouille sausage: 225 g (8 oz), sliced
- Shrimp: 225 g (8 oz), large, peeled and deveined
- Pasta: 300 g (10 oz), penne or fettuccine
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Red bell pepper: 1, sliced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp
- Heavy cream: 240 ml (1 cup)
- Parmesan cheese: 60 g (½ cup), grated
- Chicken broth: 120 ml (½ cup)
- Cajun seasoning: 1½ tbsp, plus extra to taste
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta:
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, drain and set aside.
- Brown Sausage:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook andouille sausage for 3–4 minutes until browned; remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Melt butter in the skillet. Add onion and red bell pepper; sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Cook Shrimp:
- Add shrimp and 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning; sauté for 2–3 minutes until shrimp turn pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Make Sauce:
- Pour in chicken broth, scrape any bits from pan. Add cream and remaining Cajun seasoning; bring to a simmer.
- Add Cheese & Season:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine & Heat Through:
- Add pasta, sausage, and shrimp back to skillet. Toss to coat and heat through 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Top with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Save to Pinterest Sharing this skillet around the dinner table always brings laughter and stories from our last Louisiana trip—it's now a requested family favorite for casual Sunday suppers.
Required Tools
Large skillet, pot for boiling pasta, knife and cutting board, tongs or spatula
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream, Parmesan), shellfish (shrimp), and wheat (pasta). May contain gluten depending on sausage and pasta used. Double-check all labels if concerned about allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 590, Total Fat: 31 g, Carbohydrates: 45 g, Protein: 32 g
Save to Pinterest This pasta skillet is a weeknight winner—creamy, spicy, and full of Cajun flavor. Enjoy with garlic bread and a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the sausage?
Yes, smoked turkey sausage or chicken sausage work well as alternatives, maintaining a smoky flavor.
- → What pasta types work best?
Penne or fettuccine hold the sauce nicely, but any medium-width pasta is suitable for this dish.
- → How can I add extra heat?
Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce will elevate the spicy notes.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
Using gluten-free pasta and verifying sausage ingredients can make this dish gluten-free.
- → What side dishes pair well?
A crisp green salad and garlic bread complement the creamy, rich flavors perfectly.