Pin this A creamy, spicy one-pan pasta featuring smoky sausage, succulent shrimp, and a rich Cajun Alfredo sauce. This dish delivers comforting flavors and an easy weeknight dinner everyone will crave.
Ever since I first tried Cajun sausage and shrimp Alfredo pasta skillet, it's been my go-to recipe for busy weeknights. The layers of flavor and texture make this family favorite both impressive and satisfying.
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 the pasta:
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the sausage:
- Add andouille sausage to large skillet over medium heat. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables:
- Melt butter in the same skillet. Add onion and red bell pepper; sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Cook the shrimp:
- Add shrimp and 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until shrimp turn pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Prepare the 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 finish:
- Add cooked pasta, sausage, and shrimp to skillet. Toss to coat in sauce and heat through for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Garnish:
- Top with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Pin this This recipe always reminds me of cozy dinners with my family, gathered around the table with laughter and hearty appetites. It's the kind of comfort food that brings people together.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Cajun Alfredo pasta skillet with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread for an easy, complete meal.
Substitutions & Variations
Swap smoked turkey sausage or chicken for the andouille, or use gluten-free pasta to make it accessible for everyone.
Nutrition Information
Each serving provides around 590 calories, 31 g total fat, 45 g carbohydrates, and 32 g protein.
Pin this This Cajun Alfredo pasta skillet is simple, special, and absolutely crave-worthy. Enjoy for a weeknight dinner or a comforting treat anytime.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → What type of sausage works best?
Andouille sausage is ideal for its smoky, spicy flavor that complements the Cajun seasoning perfectly.
- → Can I use other pasta types?
Penne or fettuccine work well, but any pasta that holds sauce nicely can be substituted.
- → How do I adjust the spice level?
Modify the amount of Cajun seasoning or add cayenne pepper for extra heat according to your taste.
- → Is it possible to prepare this ahead?
Sauces and proteins can be prepped in advance, but combine with pasta just before serving for best texture.
- → What can be served alongside this dish?
A crisp green salad and garlic bread pair nicely, balancing the richness of the creamy pasta skillet.