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 rainy weeknight and was amazed by how the spicy sausage balanced perfectly with the creamy Alfredo. It quickly became a family favorite, especially when everyone is craving something hearty but quick.
Ingredients
- Andouille sausage: 225 g (8 oz), sliced
- Large shrimp: 225 g (8 oz), 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 the Pasta:
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage:
- Add sliced andouille sausage to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until browned. Remove sausage and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Melt butter in the same skillet. Add onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Cook Shrimp:
- Add shrimp and 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until shrimp turn pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Simmer Sauce:
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping any browned bits. Add heavy cream and remaining Cajun seasoning. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Add Cheese:
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine Everything:
- Add cooked pasta, sausage, and shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat in sauce and heat through for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Top with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Save to Pinterest We love gathering at the table and digging into this skillet together. It's especially fun when the kids compete for the last shrimp in the pan!
Required Tools
You'll need a large skillet, a pot for boiling pasta, a knife and cutting board, and tongs or a spatula for handling ingredients.
Notes
For extra heat, add cayenne or hot sauce. Substitute smoked turkey sausage or chicken if preferred. Gluten-free pasta works perfectly too and makes the dish suitable for more people.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has about 590 calories, 31 g fat, 45 g carbs, and 32 g protein. Always check labels for allergens if you have dietary restrictions.
Save to Pinterest This Cajun Alfredo skillet makes every bite comfort packed and full of flavor. Enjoy leftovers the next day—they reheat deliciously!
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute the sausage?
Yes, smoked turkey sausage or chicken works well if you prefer a lighter or different protein.
- → How do I make this gluten-free?
Simply use certified gluten-free pasta and double-check sausage ingredients before adding.
- → Is it possible to increase the spiciness?
Absolutely—add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or extra Cajun seasoning to boost the heat level.
- → What sides go best with this dish?
Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread to complement the creamy, spicy flavors.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Prepare the sauce and proteins beforehand, then reheat and toss with pasta just before serving.
- → Are there dairy-free alternatives for the sauce?
Replace cream with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free Parmesan for a suitable option.