Save A creamy, spicy one-pan pasta featuring smoky sausage, succulent shrimp, and a rich Cajun Alfredo sauce is perfect for weeknight comfort.
I first cooked this dish for my family on a chilly evening and it quickly became a favorite & everyone wanted seconds as the spicy aroma filled the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Andouille sausage: 225 g (8 oz), sliced
- Shrimp: 225 g (8 oz), large, 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 pasta:
- Bring salted water to a boil, add pasta, cook until al dente, drain and set aside.
- Sauté sausage:
- Add andouille sausage to a large skillet over medium heat and 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 and 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.
- Deglaze pan:
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping any browned bits. 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 My family asks for this pasta every time we celebrate weekend milestones & it brings everyone to the table smiling.
Required Tools
Large skillet, pot for boiling pasta, knife and cutting board, tongs or spatula
Notes
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce. Substitute smoked turkey sausage or chicken if preferred. Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version. Serve with a crisp green salad and garlic bread. Pairs well with a lightly chilled Chardonnay.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 590, Total Fat: 31 g, Carbohydrates: 45 g, Protein: 32 g
Save Let everyone add their own extra parsley for a fresh finish & enjoy the spicy, creamy comfort in every bite.
Kitchen Guide
- → What type of sausage works best here?
Andouille sausage is ideal for its smoky, spicy flavor, but smoked turkey or chicken sausage make good alternatives.
- → Can I use gluten-free pasta in this dish?
Yes, substituting gluten-free pasta works well and keeps the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- → How do I adjust the spice level?
Adding extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne increases heat; reduce seasoning for milder flavor.
- → What sides complement this meal?
A crisp green salad and garlic bread pair nicely, balancing the creamy richness of the skillet.
- → Can this be prepared ahead of time?
Partially cooking proteins and prepping vegetables ahead speeds up final assembly and retains freshness.