Cajun Sausage Shrimp Alfredo

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

I still remember the first time I made this Cajun sausage & shrimp Alfredo pasta for a small gathering. The skillet came off the stove, and everyone was drawn in by the spicy aroma—each bite was polished off with big smiles.

Ingredients

• Andouille sausage: 225 g (8 oz), sliced
• Shrimp: 225 g (8 oz) large, 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

Cook pasta:

Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté 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.

Make 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:

Add cooked pasta, sausage, and shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce and heat through for 2–3 minutes.

Garnish and serve:

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

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This skillet never fails to spark conversation at the table, with everyone eager for seconds and just a bit more sauce scraped from the pan.

Best Ways to Serve

Serve steaming hot, paired with a crisp green salad and garlic bread. A lightly chilled Chardonnay makes the perfect companion for balancing the mild spice.

Ingredient Substitutions

Smoked turkey sausage or chicken are excellent alternatives to andouille for a lighter version. For gluten-free diners, simply swap in gluten-free pasta and double-check your sausage ingredients.

Nutrition Facts

Each serving contains approximately 590 calories, 31 g total fat, 45 g carbohydrates, and 32 g protein. This makes for a well-balanced and satisfying main dish option.

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Give this Cajun pasta skillet a try for a comforting meal packed with bold flavor. Enjoy every creamy, spicy bite!

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What pasta works best with this dish?

Penne or fettuccine hold the creamy sauce well and complement the sausage and shrimp textures perfectly.

→ Can I substitute the sausage used?

Yes, smoked turkey sausage or chicken sausage can be used as alternatives for different flavor profiles.

→ How can I add extra heat?

A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can be added to elevate the spice level.

→ What is the best way to cook the shrimp without overcooking?

Sauté shrimp briefly until they turn pink and opaque, usually 2-3 minutes, to keep them tender and juicy.

→ Is it possible to make a gluten-free version?

Using gluten-free pasta ensures the dish remains gluten-free while keeping its rich flavor and texture.