Pin Recipe A creamy spicy one-pan pasta featuring smoky sausage succulent shrimp and a rich Cajun Alfredo sauce. This dish brings the comfort of a restaurant meal into your home making it perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
The first time I made this Cajun sausage & shrimp Alfredo pasta skillet my family couldn't stop talking about it. The combination of sausage and shrimp in a creamy sauce quickly became a favorite for casual get-togethers.
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)
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 60 g (½ cup)
- Chicken broth: 120 ml (½ cup)
- Cajun seasoning: 1½ tbsp plus extra to taste
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley: 2 tbsp for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta:
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown 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.
- Make sauce:
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the pan. Add heavy cream and remaining Cajun seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
- Add cheese and season:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine and serve:
- Add cooked pasta sausage and shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce and heat through for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Pin Recipe This pasta often makes an appearance for family celebrations and cozy dinners. Everyone loves helping to garnish with fresh parsley and dig in together.
Required Tools
Large skillet pot for boiling pasta knife cutting board tongs or spatula.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has about 590 calories 31 g total fat 45 g carbohydrates and 32 g protein.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad garlic bread and a lightly chilled Chardonnay for a full Cajun-inspired experience.
Pin Recipe Enjoy your homemade Cajun sausage & shrimp Alfredo pasta skillet. The flavors only get better the next day.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the andouille sausage?
Yes, smoked turkey sausage or chicken sausage can be used as alternatives for a different flavor or dietary preference.
- → What pasta types work best?
Penne or fettuccine pasta are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well and complement the textures of shrimp and sausage.
- → How spicy is the dish?
The Cajun seasoning provides a medium spice level, which can be adjusted by adding cayenne or hot sauce to increase heat.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate gluten restrictions and check sausage labels to ensure no gluten content.
- → What sides pair well with this meal?
A crisp green salad and garlic bread complement the creamy, spicy flavors nicely and add fresh contrasts.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve sauce creaminess.