Pin this 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 on a particularly hectic weeknight when everyone was craving something cozy and rich. The sausage adds smoky savor while the cream balances out the bold spice—every bite is a hit in our house!
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
- Chicken broth: 4 cups (1 liter) low-sodium
- Heavy cream: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Parmesan cheese: 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated
- Cajun seasoning: 1½ tablespoons, store-bought or homemade
- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon, adjust to taste
- Smoked paprika: ¼ teaspoon, optional for extra smokiness
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese: for serving
Instructions
- Brown sausage:
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Add aromatics 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 to combine, ensuring 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 liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Finalize sauce:
- Remove from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Season and garnish:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Pin this My kids always ask for a sprinkle of extra cheese and parsley, and it reminds me of family dinners where everyone could serve themselves straight from the pan.
Required Tools
Large deep skillet or Dutch oven with lid, wooden spoon or spatula, chef's knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains milk, wheat, and possibly soy. Check sausage and broth ingredients for hidden allergens or gluten.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately: 680 calories, 38 g total fat, 54 g carbohydrates, and 29 g protein
Pin this This creamy sausage pasta is a true weeknight lifesaver. Enjoy bold flavor and easy cleanup—delicious comfort in every bowl!
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → What type of sausage works best?
Smoked sausage sliced thin provides the best smoky, savory flavor and texture for this dish.
- → Can I substitute the Cajun seasoning?
You can use a mix of paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and oregano for a homemade Cajun blend.
- → How do I know when the pasta is done?
Simmer until pasta is al dente, about 12–14 minutes, with most liquid absorbed but still creamy.
- → Is it possible to make it spicier?
Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce during cooking to increase heat according to taste.
- → What can I serve alongside this dish?
A crisp green salad and garlic bread complement the creamy, spicy pasta beautifully.