Save A creamy, spicy one-pan pasta featuring smoky sausage, succulent shrimp, and a rich Cajun Alfredo sauce – perfect for weeknight comfort.
After a few busy weeknights, I craved something comforting that combined both seafood and the familiar kick of Cajun spices. This recipe brings together memories of vibrant New Orleans-inspired dinners with the ease of a simple skillet meal.
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)
- Parmesan cheese: 60 g (1/2 cup) grated
- Chicken broth: 120 ml (1/2 cup)
- Cajun seasoning: 1 1/2 tbsp, plus extra to taste
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the sausage:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook andouille sausage for 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables:
- Melt butter in the same skillet. Add chopped onion and sliced red bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Cook shrimp:
- Add shrimp and 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning to the skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until shrimp turn pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Prepare sauce:
- Deglaze pan with chicken broth, scraping any browned bits. Add heavy cream and remaining Cajun seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
- Finish the sauce:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Combine and serve:
- Add drained pasta, sausage, and shrimp into skillet. Toss to coat and heat through for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Save This skillet pasta has become a favorite for my family, especially on chilly evenings when we gather around the table and share stories over steaming plates.
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). If you prefer gluten-free or are sensitive to allergens, double-check all sausage and pasta ingredients.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 590 calories, 31 g fat, 45 g carbohydrates, and 32 g protein.
Save Serve with a crisp salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. This skillet combines comfort and spice with every forkful!
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use another type of sausage?
Yes, smoked turkey sausage or chicken sausage are great alternatives for a different flavor profile or dietary needs.
- → Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that your sausage and seasonings are gluten-free.
- → How spicy is this Cajun Alfredo pasta?
The dish has a mild kick from Cajun seasoning. You can add cayenne or hot sauce for extra heat to suit your taste.
- → What pasta works best in this preparation?
Penne or fettuccine are ideal as they hold the sauce well, but other short or long pastas can also be used.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
You can make the components ahead and combine before serving. Reheat gently to maintain creamy texture.
- → What side dishes pair well with this meal?
Enjoy with a crisp green salad and garlic bread, or serve with a lightly chilled Chardonnay for balance.