Save 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.
Save 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
Save 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.