Save A creamy, spicy one-pan pasta featuring smoky sausage, succulent shrimp, and a rich Cajun Alfredo sauce is perfect for weeknight comfort. This skillet meal brings together bold flavors and a satisfyingly creamy texture that's sure to please the whole family.
The first time I made this skillet for dinner, everyone asked for seconds and even my picky eater loved the creamy sauce mixed with the Cajun spices. It's now a meal I keep in my regular rotation for busy nights when I want something hearty and satisfying.
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 and black pepper: To taste
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare 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.
- Build 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:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients:
- 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 Whenever my extended family visits, this skillet is always a hit at the table and sparks lively conversation. Watching everyone dig in and enjoy seconds is one of my favorite kitchen moments.
Variations
You can swap out shrimp for chicken or smoked turkey sausage to change the protein profile. Gluten-free pasta also works well for those with dietary restrictions, making this meal easy to adapt for any crowd.
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside a crisp green salad and garlic bread to round out the meal. This dish is also perfect paired with a chilled glass of Chardonnay to balance the creamy, spicy notes.
Nutritional Info
Each serving provides about 590 calories, 31 g fat, 45 g carbohydrates, and 32 g protein—making it a hearty option that's great for refueling after a busy day.
Save This Cajun Alfredo pasta delivers irresistible flavor and warmth in every bite. Make it once, and it just might become your new weeknight staple.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What pasta types work best for this dish?
Penne or fettuccine are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well and combine nicely with the textures of sausage and shrimp.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, increase Cajun seasoning or add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to reach your preferred heat.
- → Is it possible to substitute the sausage?
You can use smoked turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a different flavor profile while keeping the dish hearty.
- → How do I prevent overcooking the shrimp?
Sauté shrimp just until pink and opaque, usually 2–3 minutes, to keep them tender and juicy.
- → What sides pair well with this skillet meal?
Light green salads and garlic bread complement the creamy, spicy flavors perfectly, balancing the richness.