Save It A creamy, spicy one-pan pasta featuring smoky sausage, succulent shrimp, and a rich Cajun Alfredo sauce—perfect for weeknight comfort.
I first prepared this recipe for a busy weekday evening when my family wanted comfort food with a little kick. The blend of sausage, shrimp, and homemade Alfredo sauce instantly became a favorite at our table.
Ingredients
- Andouille sausage: 225 g (8 oz), sliced
- Large shrimp: 225 g (8 oz), peeled and deveined
- Penne or fettuccine: 300 g (10 oz)
- 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 in a pot. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Sausage:
- Heat a large skillet over medium. Add sliced sausage and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until browned. Remove sausage and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Melt butter in the same skillet. Add chopped onion and sliced red bell pepper. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Cook Shrimp:
- Add shrimp and 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until shrimp are pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce:
- Pour chicken broth into skillet and scrape up any browned bits. Add heavy cream and remaining Cajun seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
- Add Cheese:
- Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss & Serve:
- Add cooked pasta, sausage, and shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat with sauce and heat through for 2 to 3 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Save It When my kids see this skillet on the stove, they cannot wait to dig in together. Every bite brings memories from family nights filled with laughter and delicious food.
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 (per serving).
Serving Suggestions
Serve pasta with a crisp green salad and garlic bread. Pairs well with a lightly chilled Chardonnay.
Save It This Cajun pasta delivers comfort and excitement for any dinner. Enjoy every creamy and savory bite!
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of sausage should I use?
Andouille sausage brings classic Cajun flavor, but smoked turkey or chicken sausage work well too.
- → Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, swap regular pasta for gluten-free alternatives and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- → How spicy is the Alfredo sauce?
The Cajun seasoning adds gentle heat; adjust with extra cayenne or hot sauce for more spice if desired.
- → What vegetables pair best in this skillet?
Onion and red bell pepper build flavor and color, though you may add mushrooms or spinach for variation.
- → Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
The dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the proteins and veggies beforehand for quicker assembly.
- → What is a good wine pairing?
A lightly chilled Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc nicely complements the creaminess and spices.