Save Pin A creamy, spicy one-pan pasta featuring smoky sausage, succulent shrimp, and a rich Cajun Alfredo sauce is perfect for weeknight comfort. This skillet recipe delivers bold flavors and velvety sauce in every bite, all cooked together for maximum convenience.
I first made this Cajun sausage & shrimp Alfredo pasta skillet for my family on a chilly evening. The blend of smoky sausage and juicy shrimp quickly became a comfort food favorite, and its creamy Cajun sauce is requested often in my house.
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
- Chopped fresh parsley: 2 tbsp (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta:
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown sausage:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add andouille sausage. Cook for 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables:
- In same skillet, melt butter. Add onion and red bell pepper; sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Cook shrimp:
- Add shrimp and 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning to skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until shrimp turn pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Make sauce:
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from 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 and finish:
- Add cooked pasta, sausage, and shrimp to skillet. Toss to coat in sauce and heat through for 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish:
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Save Pin Sharing this skillet after a busy day, my family always gathers around the table a bit faster when this creamy Cajun pasta is on the menu. The meal brings smiles and a bit of spice to our routine!
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 for a twist. Use gluten-free pasta as needed, and serve with salad or garlic bread.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 590 calories, 31 g total fat, 45 g carbohydrates, 32 g protein
Save Pin 
This spicy, creamy pasta skillet is satisfying and impressive served hot, straight from the pan. Enjoy every forkful with friends or family!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use different pasta types?
Yes, penne or fettuccine work well, but feel free to try rigatoni or rotini for a varied texture.
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
Add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat according to your taste.
- → Can I substitute the sausage?
Smoked turkey sausage or chicken sausage are good alternatives that maintain the smoky, savory flavor.
- → Is it possible to make a gluten-free version?
Use gluten-free pasta and double-check sausage ingredients to ensure no gluten presence.
- → What’s the best way to serve this dish?
Serve hot garnished with freshly chopped parsley, alongside a green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 2 days, reheating gently to preserve texture and flavor.