Save A creamy, spicy one-pan pasta featuring smoky sausage, succulent shrimp, and a rich Cajun Alfredo sauce—perfect for weeknight comfort.
After making this Cajun Alfredo skillet for the first time, my kitchen was filled with delicious aromas and my family could not wait to dig in. The combination of shrimp, sausage, and creamy sauce quickly became a favorite comfort food.
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 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 same 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.
- Prepare sauce:
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits. Add heavy cream and remaining Cajun seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
- Add cheese:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss everything:
- Add cooked pasta, sausage, and shrimp to skillet. Toss to coat with sauce and heat through for 2 & 3 minutes.
- Finish and serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Save Sharing this Cajun pasta on Sunday nights has brought our family together for memorable meals and laughter around the table.
Required Tools
Large skillet, pot for boiling pasta, knife and cutting board, tongs or spatula are all you need for this easy recipe.
Notes
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce. Feel free to substitute smoked turkey sausage or chicken if you prefer.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately: Calories 590, Total Fat 31 g, Carbohydrates 45 g, Protein 32 g.
Save This Cajun Alfredo pasta is sure to bring a little extra comfort and spice to your dinner routine. Dive in while it is hot and creamy.
Kitchen Guide
- → What type of sausage works best in this dish?
Andouille sausage is preferred for its smoky, spicy flavor, but smoked turkey sausage or chicken sausage can be substituted for a milder taste.
- → Can I use a different pasta shape?
Penne or fettuccine are ideal as they hold the sauce well, but any sturdy pasta shape can be used based on preference.
- → How spicy is this dish?
The Cajun seasoning adds moderate heat, which can be adjusted by adding more or less seasoning or a pinch of cayenne for extra kick.
- → Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and verify that the sausage and seasonings contain no gluten.
- → What are good side dishes to pair with this meal?
A crisp green salad and garlic bread complement the creamy, spicy flavors perfectly, while a chilled Chardonnay works well as a beverage pairing.