Cajun Sausage Shrimp Alfredo

A creamy, spicy one-pan pasta featuring smoky sausage, succulent shrimp, and a rich Cajun Alfredo sauce is perfect for weeknight comfort.

I first made this Cajun Alfredo skillet on a busy weeknight when I wanted something satisfying yet fast. The blend of sausage and shrimp was an instant hit and the family asks for it again and again.

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 (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.

Make 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 & Serve:

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Save

This skillet always reminds me of cozy evenings gathered around the table, propping up bowls of spicy pasta and swapping stories about our day.

Required Tools

Large skillet, pot for boiling pasta, knife and cutting board, tongs or spatula make prep and cleanup fuss-free.

Allergen Information

Dishes like this contain dairy, shellfish, and wheat. Always read all ingredient labels carefully if serving to someone with allergies.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 590 calories, 31 g fat, 45 g carbohydrates, 32 g protein—rich and hearty for dinner.

Save

Serve hot with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a comforting finish. This Cajun skillet is even better the next day.

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I use other types of sausage?

Yes, smoked turkey sausage or chicken sausage work well as substitutes and can lighten the dish.

→ What pasta is best for this skillet?

Penne or fettuccine are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce effectively, but any medium pasta shape works.

→ How can I adjust the spiciness?

Adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce increases heat, while reducing Cajun seasoning makes it milder.

→ Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes, using gluten-free pasta and confirming sausage ingredients can make the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

→ What sides complement this dish?

A crisp green salad and garlic bread provide balance and enhance the meal’s comforting flavors.

→ How to ensure shrimp cooks perfectly?

Sauté shrimp just until they turn pink to maintain tenderness and avoid overcooking.