Save A creamy, spicy one-pan pasta featuring smoky sausage, succulent shrimp, and a rich Cajun Alfredo sauce—perfect for weeknight comfort.
I first made this Cajun sausage & shrimp Alfredo pasta skillet on a rainy Thursday when everyone needed something both hearty and quick. The combination of creamy sauce and spicy sausage was an instant hit, and now it’s requested regularly for dinner.
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 & black pepper: to taste
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped (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.
- Finish Sauce:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine All:
- 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.
Save This skillet always brings my family together around the table, with everyone fighting gently over the last spoonful of creamy pasta. It’s a dish that feels both festive and deeply comforting at the end of a busy day.
Required Tools
Large skillet, pot for boiling pasta, knife and cutting board, and tongs or spatula are needed for this recipe.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately: Calories: 590, Total Fat: 31 g, Carbohydrates: 45 g, Protein: 32 g.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad and garlic bread. A lightly chilled Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with the creamy, spicy flavors.
Save Try this Cajun pasta skillet tonight for a bold, spicy take on Alfredo that’s ready in just one pan. Your taste buds (and family) will thank you!
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of pasta works best?
Penne or fettuccine hold the sauce well and complement the rich flavors beautifully.
- → Can I substitute the sausage?
Smoked turkey sausage or chicken sausage are good alternatives that maintain the smoky taste.
- → How spicy is the dish?
The Cajun seasoning adds moderate heat, which you can adjust by adding cayenne or hot sauce to your preference.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Using gluten-free pasta and checking sausage ingredients can make this dish gluten-free friendly.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheat gently to preserve creaminess.