Save to Pinterest A creamy, spicy one-pan pasta featuring smoky sausage, succulent shrimp, and a rich Cajun Alfredo sauce—perfect for weeknight comfort.
This dish quickly became a family favorite when I first made it on a busy weeknight — it's comforting and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- Proteins: 225 g (8 oz) andouille sausage sliced, 225 g (8 oz) large shrimp peeled and deveined
- Pasta: 300 g (10 oz) penne or fettuccine
- Vegetables: 1 small onion finely chopped, 1 red bell pepper sliced, 2 cloves garlic minced
- Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 240 ml (1 cup) heavy cream, 60 g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese, 120 ml (½ cup) chicken broth
- Seasonings: 1½ tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus extra to taste), Salt and black pepper to taste, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta:
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook sausage:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the andouille sausage and cook for 3 4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add onion and red bell pepper sauté for 3 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Cook shrimp:
- Add the shrimp and 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Sauté for 2 3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Prepare sauce:
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the pan. Add heavy cream and remaining Cajun seasoning bring to a simmer.
- Finish sauce:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine:
- Add cooked pasta, sausage, and shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce and heat through for 2 3 minutes.
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Save to Pinterest Cooking this dish always brings the family together around the table for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Notes
For extra heat add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce Substitute smoked turkey sausage or chicken if preferred Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version Serve with a crisp green salad and garlic bread Pairs well with a lightly chilled Chardonnay
Required Tools
Large skillet Pot for boiling pasta Knife and cutting board Tongs or spatula
Nutritional Information
Calories 590 Total Fat 31 g Carbohydrates 45 g Protein 32 g
Save to Pinterest This creamy Cajun Alfredo pasta is sure to become a favorite for busy weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of sausage works best for this dish?
Andouille sausage is ideal due to its smoky, spicy flavor, but smoked turkey sausage or chicken sausage can be used as alternatives.
- → Can I use different pasta shapes in this meal?
Penne or fettuccine are recommended for their ability to hold the creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce well, but feel free to use your preferred pasta.
- → How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this dish?
The seasoning provides a moderate heat balanced by cream and Parmesan, but you can adjust spiciness by adding cayenne or hot sauce to taste.
- → Is it necessary to devein the shrimp before cooking?
Yes, deveining ensures a cleaner taste and better texture, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
- → What sides pair well with the creamy Cajun sausage and shrimp pasta?
A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or a lightly chilled Chardonnay complement the rich and savory flavors perfectly.