Save 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 for a busy weeknight dinner and my family loved the balance of creamy sauce and a hint of heat. The single-pan approach made cleanup a breeze and earned this recipe a permanent spot in our meal rotation.
Ingredients
- Andouille sausage: 225 g (8 oz), sliced
- Large shrimp: 225 g (8 oz), peeled and deveined
- Penne or fettuccine pasta: 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
- Chopped fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta:
- Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté sausage:
- Add andouille sausage to a large skillet over medium heat, cook for 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Melt butter in the same skillet. Add onion and red bell pepper, sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic, cook for 1 minute.
- Cook shrimp:
- Add shrimp and 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until shrimp turn pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Prepare sauce:
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from pan. Add heavy cream and remaining Cajun seasoning, bring to a simmer.
- Finish sauce:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine ingredients:
- Add cooked pasta, sausage, and shrimp to skillet. Toss to coat in sauce and heat for 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish and serve:
- Top with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Save Gathering everyone around the skillet at the table brings so much warmth to our evenings. The bold Cajun flavors always spark excitement and laughter as we share stories over a delicious meal.
Required Tools
Large skillet (for main dish), pot for boiling pasta, knife and cutting board (for chopping), tongs or spatula (for tossing and serving)
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream, Parmesan), shellfish (shrimp), and wheat (pasta). May contain gluten depending on sausage and pasta used. Double-check labels if concerned about allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 590, Total Fat: 31 g, Carbohydrates: 45 g, Protein: 32 g
Save This creamy Cajun pasta skillet is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Serve it hot and savor every spicy bite!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use different sausage types?
Absolutely! Smoked turkey sausage or chicken are excellent substitutes with similar flavor and texture.
- → How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and check sausage labels to ensure no added gluten-containing fillers are present.
- → What pasta shape works best?
Penne and fettuccine both coat well in Alfredo sauce, but any sturdy pasta will work for this skillet.
- → Can I control the spice level?
Add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat; reduce amounts for a milder taste.
- → What pairs well as a side dish?
A crisp green salad and garlic bread complement the creamy and spicy elements in the pasta skillet.