Cajun Sausage Shrimp Alfredo

Featured in: Quick Snack Bites

This dish combines smoky andouille sausage with succulent shrimp in a creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce, all cooked together in a skillet for easy preparation. Pasta is cooked al dente then tossed with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and garlic for extra flavor. The sauce made from butter, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, comforting base. Finished with fresh parsley, this meal is perfect for casual dinners with a hint of spicy, smoky depth.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 09:14:00 GMT
Cajun Sausage & Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Skillet sizzling in a skillet, showcasing shrimp and sausage with creamy sauce. Save
Cajun Sausage & Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Skillet sizzling in a skillet, showcasing shrimp and sausage with creamy sauce. | fryzia.com

A creamy, spicy one-pan pasta featuring smoky sausage, succulent shrimp, and a rich Cajun Alfredo sauce, perfect for weeknight comfort.

I tried this recipe one chilly evening, seeking something bold yet simple. The smoky aroma and creamy sauce immediately made this a family favorite that everyone requests often.

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)
  • 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
  • Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook pasta:
Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the andouille sausage for 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
Sauté vegetables:
Melt butter in the same skillet. Add onion and red bell pepper, sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Cook shrimp:
Add shrimp and 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until shrimp turn pink. Remove and set aside.
Make sauce:
Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and remaining Cajun seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
Add cheese:
Stir Parmesan cheese into sauce until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine ingredients:
Add pasta, sausage, and shrimp to skillet. Toss to coat in sauce and heat through for 2–3 minutes.
Garnish and serve:
Top with chopped parsley and serve hot.
A bowl of delicious Cajun Sausage & Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Skillet, ready to enjoy with fresh parsley garnish. Save
A bowl of delicious Cajun Sausage & Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Skillet, ready to enjoy with fresh parsley garnish. | fryzia.com

This skillet pasta disappeared fast when I served it to my kids, who all loved the Cajun kick, especially when paired with garlic bread.

Required Tools

Large skillet, pot for boiling pasta, knife and cutting board, tongs or spatula.

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (cream, Parmesan), shellfish (shrimp), and wheat (pasta). May contain gluten depending on sausage and pasta used. Always check product labels.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 590, Total Fat: 31 g, Carbohydrates: 45 g, Protein: 32 g

Close-up of a flavorful Cajun Sausage & Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Skillet with tender shrimp and penne. Save
Close-up of a flavorful Cajun Sausage & Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Skillet with tender shrimp and penne. | fryzia.com

This creamy Cajun pasta brings serious flavor with minimal fuss, sure to brighten any weeknight meal.

Recipe FAQ Section

What type of sausage works best?

Andouille sausage is ideal for its smoky, spicy flavor, but smoked turkey or chicken sausage can be substituted for a milder taste.

Can I use other pasta shapes?

Yes, penne or fettuccine are recommended, but any pasta that holds sauce well will work nicely.

How do I adjust the spice level?

Add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase heat, or reduce seasoning for a milder dish.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Simply swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta, and verify the sausage and seasonings are gluten-free.

Can this be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the components separately and assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.

What sides pair well with this dish?

A crisp green salad and garlic bread complement the creamy pasta, while a chilled Chardonnay balances the spices.

Cajun Sausage Shrimp Alfredo

A creamy, spicy one-pan dish with smoky sausage, tender shrimp, and a rich Cajun Alfredo sauce.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Samantha Rivera

Classification Quick Snack Bites

Complexity Level Medium

Heritage American (Cajun-inspired)

Output 4 Portion Count

Dietary considerations None specified

Components

Proteins

01 8 oz andouille sausage, sliced
02 8 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta

01 10 oz penne or fettuccine pasta

Vegetables

01 1 small onion, finely chopped
02 1 red bell pepper, sliced
03 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

01 2 tbsp unsalted butter
02 1 cup heavy cream
03 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 ½ cup chicken broth

Seasonings

01 1½ tbsp Cajun seasoning, plus extra to taste
02 Salt and black pepper to taste
03 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation Steps

Phase 01

Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Phase 02

Brown Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the andouille sausage for 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.

Phase 03

Sauté Vegetables: Melt butter in the same skillet. Add chopped onion and sliced red bell pepper, sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Phase 04

Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to the skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Phase 05

Prepare Sauce: Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping browned bits off the bottom. Add heavy cream and remaining Cajun seasoning, then bring to a simmer.

Phase 06

Incorporate Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Phase 07

Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, browned sausage, and shrimp to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly and heat through for 2–3 minutes.

Phase 08

Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish and serve immediately while hot.

Necessary tools

  • Large skillet
  • Pot for boiling pasta
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Tongs or spatula

Allergy information

Review all ingredients for potential allergens and consult with healthcare providers if you're uncertain about any item.
  • Contains dairy, shellfish, and wheat. Verify labels for gluten content.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are approximate and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy Value: 590
  • Fat: 31 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Protein Content: 32 g