Save It A creamy, spicy one-pan pasta featuring smoky sausage, succulent shrimp, and a rich Cajun Alfredo sauce is perfect for weeknight comfort.
On busy nights, this skillet has saved me more times than I can count. Its bold flavors and simple steps make it a reliable favorite that everyone at home requests 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)
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Instructions
- Cook 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, cook andouille sausage for 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables:
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add onion and red bell pepper and 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 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 and season:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine and finish:
- Add cooked pasta, sausage, and shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce and heat through for 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Save It There is nothing like seeing family gather around the stove, waiting impatiently for the first taste. Sharing this Cajun-inspired meal always brings a little extra warmth and laughter to our evenings.
Notes & Serving Suggestions
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce. Substitute smoked turkey sausage or chicken if preferred. Serve with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Required Tools
Large skillet, pot for boiling pasta, knife and cutting board, tongs or spatula.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 590, Total Fat: 31 g, Carbohydrates: 45 g, Protein: 32 g.
Save It This crowd-pleasing Cajun Alfredo skillet is ready in under an hour and always disappears fast. Enjoy every spicy, creamy bite with those you love.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can substitute smoked turkey sausage or even chicken sausage for andouille if preferred. Both options provide ample smokiness and flavor.
- → Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely! Replace the pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety and ensure your sausage is gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.
- → Is the Cajun Alfredo sauce spicy?
The Cajun seasoning gives a mild kick. Adjust spiciness by adding more seasoning, cayenne, or hot sauce to taste.
- → What wines pair well with this skillet meal?
A lightly chilled Chardonnay complements the richness of the Alfredo sauce and balances the spices in the dish.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
This skillet pasta can be cooked in advance and reheated gently. However, for best texture, add shrimp just before serving.
- → What side dishes work well?
Serve alongside a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal full of flavor and freshness.
