Save to Pinterest A creamy, spicy one-pan pasta featuring smoky sausage, succulent shrimp, and a rich Cajun Alfredo sauce: perfect for weeknight comfort.
I first made this Cajun Sausage & Shrimp Alfredo Pasta on a busy weeknight, and it quickly became a staple in our dinner rotation. The mix of creamy sauce with a gentle spice manages to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- Andouille sausage: 225 g (8 oz), sliced
- Large shrimp: 225 g (8 oz), 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 the pasta:
- Boil the pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the sausage:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the andouille sausage for 3 to 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 to 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Cook the shrimp:
- Add the shrimp and 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning to the skillet. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until shrimp turn pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Make the Cajun Alfredo sauce:
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape any bits from the pan. Add heavy cream and remaining Cajun seasoning, bring to a simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan:
- Add Parmesan cheese, stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine and heat through:
- Add the cooked pasta, sausage, and shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce and heat for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Garnish and serve:
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Save to Pinterest This skillet pasta is a crowd-pleaser at our family gatherings. Watching everyone reach for seconds always makes me smile!
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Cajun pasta with a crisp green salad and garlic bread to balance the rich flavors. A lightly chilled Chardonnay is a great choice for wine lovers.
Recipe Variations
You can swap out the sausage for smoked turkey sausage or chicken, and adjust the spice level with a pinch of cayenne or your favorite hot sauce.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 590, Total Fat 31 g, Carbohydrates 45 g, Protein 32 g.
Save to Pinterest This spicy, creamy pasta makes weeknight dinners feel special and comes together fast. One-pan means cleanup is easy, too!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of sausage works best?
Andouille sausage is ideal for its smoky, spicy flavor, but smoked turkey sausage can be a milder substitute.
- → Can the dish be made gluten-free?
Yes, using gluten-free pasta ensures the dish is suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- → How do you achieve the creamy sauce texture?
Simmering heavy cream with chicken broth and melting Parmesan cheese slowly creates a smooth, rich Alfredo sauce.
- → Is it possible to increase the heat level?
Adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce enhances the spiciness without overpowering the dish’s balance.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
A lightly chilled Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce and bold Cajun spices beautifully.