Cajun Sausage Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

Featured in: Dinner Fix

This creamy Cajun-inspired skillet combines smoky andouille sausage, juicy shrimp, and tender pasta tossed with a rich Alfredo sauce. Sautéed onions, peppers, and garlic add freshness, while Cajun seasoning gives a zesty Southern flair. Finished with Parmesan and a touch of parsley, each bite offers comforting warmth, perfect for busy weeknights. Serve hot for a satisfying main course, pairing well with a crisp salad or garlic bread. Adjust heat or ingredients to taste for a personalized meal that delights with bold, balanced flavors.

Updated on Sun, 09 Nov 2025 10:09:00 GMT
Creamy Cajun Sausage & Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Skillet served with fresh parsley garnish.   Save
Creamy Cajun Sausage & Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Skillet served with fresh parsley garnish. | nachohaha.com

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.
Sizzling Cajun Sausage & Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Skillet bursting with flavor and spice.  Save
Sizzling Cajun Sausage & Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Skillet bursting with flavor and spice. | nachohaha.com

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

One-pan Cajun Sausage & Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Skillet full of smoky delights and comfort. Save
One-pan Cajun Sausage & Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Skillet full of smoky delights and comfort. | nachohaha.com

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.

Cajun Sausage Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

Creamy, spicy Alfredo pasta with shrimp and sausage delivers bold flavor in a satisfying skillet meal.

Prep duration
15 min
Time to cook
25 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Carlos Vega

Type Dinner Fix

Complexity Medium

Heritage American (Cajun-inspired)

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements None specified

Components

Proteins

01 8 ounces andouille sausage, sliced
02 8 ounces large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta

01 10 ounces penne or fettuccine

Vegetables

01 1 small onion, finely chopped
02 1 red bell pepper, sliced
03 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 1 cup heavy cream
03 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 1/2 cup chicken broth

Seasonings

01 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
02 Salt and black pepper, to taste
03 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

Phase 01

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, following package directions. Drain well and set aside.

Phase 02

Brown Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced andouille sausage and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until browned. Transfer sausage to a plate and set aside.

Phase 03

Sauté Vegetables: Melt butter in the same skillet. Add onion and red bell pepper; cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Phase 04

Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning to the skillet. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until shrimp are just pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Phase 05

Prepare Sauce: Pour chicken broth into skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add heavy cream and remaining Cajun seasoning. Stir constantly and bring to a gentle simmer.

Phase 06

Add Cheese and Season: Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and stir until fully melted and sauce is smooth. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.

Phase 07

Combine and Heat: Return drained pasta, cooked sausage, and shrimp to the skillet. Toss well to coat everything in the sauce and heat through for 2 to 3 minutes.

Phase 08

Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Tools needed

  • Large skillet
  • Pot for boiling pasta
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Tongs or spatula

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're concerned about specific ingredients.
  • Contains dairy products including heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
  • Contains shellfish from shrimp.
  • Contains wheat from pasta; check sausage and pasta labels for gluten content if necessary.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 590
  • Fats: 31 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Proteins: 32 g