Cajun Sausage Shrimp Alfredo

A creamy, spicy one-pan pasta featuring smoky sausage, succulent shrimp, and a rich Cajun Alfredo sauce is perfect for weeknight comfort.

I first cooked this dish for my family on a chilly evening and it quickly became a favorite & everyone wanted seconds as the spicy aroma filled the kitchen.

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:

Bring salted water to a boil, add pasta, cook until al dente, drain and set aside.

Sauté sausage:

Add andouille sausage to a large skillet over medium heat and cook 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.

Deglaze pan:

Pour in chicken broth, scraping 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.

Combine:

Add cooked pasta, sausage, and shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce and heat through for 2&3 minutes.

Garnish & serve:

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

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My family asks for this pasta every time we celebrate weekend milestones & it brings everyone to the table smiling.

Required Tools

Large skillet, pot for boiling pasta, knife and cutting board, tongs or spatula

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.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 590, Total Fat: 31 g, Carbohydrates: 45 g, Protein: 32 g

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Let everyone add their own extra parsley for a fresh finish & enjoy the spicy, creamy comfort in every bite.

Kitchen Guide

→ What type of sausage works best here?

Andouille sausage is ideal for its smoky, spicy flavor, but smoked turkey or chicken sausage make good alternatives.

→ Can I use gluten-free pasta in this dish?

Yes, substituting gluten-free pasta works well and keeps the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

→ How do I adjust the spice level?

Adding extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne increases heat; reduce seasoning for milder flavor.

→ What sides complement this meal?

A crisp green salad and garlic bread pair nicely, balancing the creamy richness of the skillet.

→ Can this be prepared ahead of time?

Partially cooking proteins and prepping vegetables ahead speeds up final assembly and retains freshness.