Pin Recipe A creamy, spicy one-pot pasta dish featuring smoked sausage, tender pasta, and a bold Cajun Alfredo sauce—perfect for busy weeknights.
I first made this Cajun spiced smoked sausage Alfredo after craving something comforting that was still packed with flavor. The ease of tossing everything into a single skillet quickly won my family over, and the leftovers always disappear fast.
Ingredients
- Smoked sausage: 14 oz (400 g), sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- Yellow onion: 1 medium, diced
- Red bell pepper: 1 medium, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Penne pasta: 12 oz (340 g), or other short pasta
- Low-sodium chicken broth: 4 cups (1 liter)
- Heavy cream: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: 1 cup (100 g)
- Cajun seasoning: 1½ tablespoons
- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Smoked paprika: ¼ teaspoon (optional)
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese: For serving
Instructions
- Brown sausage:
- Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
- Add garlic and seasoning:
- Stir in minced garlic and Cajun seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add liquids and pasta:
- Add uncooked pasta, chicken broth, heavy cream, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika. Stir well so pasta is mostly submerged.
- Simmer:
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
- Make Alfredo sauce:
- Remove from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Adjust and serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Pin Recipe This dish brings everyone to the table and is always requested for our family movie nights. The comforting creaminess and the Cajun kick make it a real crowd-pleaser with kids and adults alike.
Pairing Suggestions
This pasta pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete meal that balances creaminess with freshness.
Recipe Variations
Try substituting turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter flavor. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle some hot sauce before serving.
Helpful Tools
A large deep skillet or Dutch oven is a must for this recipe. Use a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula for stirring and a sharp chefs knife for prepping vegetables and sausage.
Pin Recipe Serve hot with parsley and extra Parmesan for restaurant-style flair. This hearty pasta is guaranteed to satisfy and ready in under 40 minutes.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the smoked sausage?
Yes, turkey or chicken sausage can be used for a lighter variation without sacrificing flavor.
- → Is this dish spicy?
The Cajun seasoning adds a mild to moderate heat, which can be adjusted by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- → What type of pasta works best here?
Short pastas like penne hold the creamy sauce well, but rigatoni or fusilli are good alternatives.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and ensure the sausage and broth are gluten-free.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Stir occasionally during simmering and ensure the pasta is mostly submerged in liquid for even cooking.
- → What can I serve alongside this dish?
Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a well-rounded meal.