Save A creamy, spicy pasta dish combining smoky sausage, Cajun spices, and a rich Alfredo sauce for a comforting meal ready in just 20 minutes.
When I first made this Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo, I was surprised how quickly it came together and how much everyone loved it. The smoky sausage with the creamy sauce is always a hit at weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
- Sausage: 12 oz (340 g) smoked sausage (e.g. andouille or kielbasa) sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- Vegetables: 1 small yellow onion finely chopped, 1 red bell pepper diced, 2 cloves garlic minced
- Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream, 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste), ¼ tsp black pepper, ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Garnish: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta:
- Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Sausage:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook sliced smoked sausage for 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, sauté onion and red bell pepper until softened (2–3 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Make Sauce:
- Stir in heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Bring to a simmer.
- Add Cheese:
- Reduce heat to low, add Parmesan cheese, and stir until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine & Serve:
- Return sausage to the skillet, add cooked penne, and toss to coat in the sauce. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Save This meal always reminds me of family nights when we gather around the table and everyone gets second helpings. Quick recipes like this one let us spend more time together instead of in the kitchen.
Required Tools
Large pot for boiling pasta, large skillet, chefs knife, cutting board, wooden spoon or spatula, grater for Parmesan cheese
Allergen Information
The dish contains milk from cream and Parmesan, wheat from penne pasta, and possible sulfites in some smoked sausages. Double-check sausage labels for allergens if needed.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 680, Total Fat 42 g, Carbohydrates 47 g, Protein 26 g
Save Serve this pasta hot and enjoy with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.