Save A creamy, spicy one-pan pasta featuring smoky sausage, succulent shrimp, and a rich Cajun Alfredo sauce—perfect for weeknight comfort.
I love making this Cajun Sausage & Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Skillet on busy weeknights when everyone craves something hearty and comforting but I don't want a pile of dishes. The spicy sausage and tender shrimp make every bite a treat.
Ingredients
- Andouille sausage: 225 g (8 oz) sliced
- Large shrimp: 225 g (8 oz) peeled and deveined
- Penne or fettuccine: 300 g (10 oz)
- 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:
- 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 Parmesan:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine all:
- 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 Gathering around the table to share this creamy skillet always gets rave reviews from my family—it's the perfect comfort dish that brings us together.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad and garlic bread to round out your meal. A lightly chilled glass of Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the spicy flavors.
Variations
Try swapping in smoked turkey sausage or chicken for a lighter twist. Make it gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Equipment
You'll need a large skillet, a pot for boiling pasta, a knife and cutting board, and tongs or a spatula for tossing everything together.
Save Enjoy the bold flavors of the bayou in your own kitchen—this is a weeknight dinner you'll want to make again and again.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I substitute the sausage with another meat?
Yes, smoked turkey sausage or cooked chicken can be used as alternatives while maintaining the dish's hearty texture.
- → What pasta types work best with this dish?
Penne or fettuccine are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well, but other medium-width pastas can be used.
- → How do I adjust the spiciness level?
Increase or decrease the Cajun seasoning and add cayenne or hot sauce according to your heat preference.
- → Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?
Definitely. Using gluten-free pasta and verifying sausage ingredients ensures a gluten-free option.
- → How should leftovers be stored and reheated?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to maintain sauce creaminess.
- → What sides complement this creamy Cajun skillet?
A crisp green salad and garlic bread provide fresh and crunchy contrasts, enhancing the meal's richness.