Save to Pinterest A creamy, spicy one-pan pasta featuring smoky sausage, succulent shrimp, and a rich Cajun Alfredo sauce—perfect for weeknight comfort.
I first made this Cajun sausage & shrimp Alfredo pasta skillet on a chilly evening and it instantly became a comfort food favorite everyone asks for. The blend of tender shrimp, hearty sausage, and creamy sauce makes it such a crowd-pleaser.
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.
- 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.
- Create 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.
Save to Pinterest This skillet meal has become a family favorite on busy weeknights when we want something both quick and satisfying. Everyone loves grabbing seconds, so I always make sure to cook a little extra!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this rich Cajun Alfredo pasta with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a lightly chilled glass of Chardonnay.
Variation Ideas
Swap the andouille sausage for smoked turkey sausage or chicken to suit your preference. Increase the Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne for extra spice!
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: 590 calories, 31 g total fat, 45 g carbohydrates, 32 g protein. Contains dairy, shellfish, and wheat.
Save to Pinterest This Cajun sausage & shrimp Alfredo pasta comes together fast and always impresses. Enjoy the bold flavors and creamy comfort in every bite!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of sausage is best for this dish?
Andouille sausage is ideal for its smoky, spicy profile that complements the creamy sauce and shrimp perfectly.
- → Can I use other pasta for this dish?
Yes, penne or fettuccine work well as they hold the sauce nicely, but feel free to substitute with gluten-free options if preferred.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Additional cayenne pepper or hot sauce can be added for extra heat, while reducing Cajun seasoning will mellow the spice.
- → Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
Full-fat coconut milk or a blend of milk and cream cheese can be used, though they may slightly alter the sauce's texture and flavor.
- → What garnishes enhance this dish?
Fresh chopped parsley adds brightness and a fresh contrast to the rich sauce, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
- → Can smoked turkey sausage replace andouille?
Yes, smoked turkey sausage is a lighter alternative while still providing smoky notes suitable for this dish.