Save A creamy, spicy one-pot pasta dish featuring smoked sausage, tender pasta, and a bold Cajun Alfredo sauce—perfect for busy weeknights.
The first time I made this Cajun spiced smoked sausage Alfredo, everyone in my family asked for seconds! It has become a regular weeknight favorite for us because of how simple yet satisfying it is.
Ingredients
- Sausage: 14 oz (400 g) smoked sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- Vegetables: 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 1 medium red bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta (or other short pasta)
- Liquids: 4 cups (1 liter) low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- Cheese: 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Seasonings: 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade); ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
- Garnish: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage:
- Heat a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.
- Saute Vegetables:
- Add diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
- Add Garlic and Cajun Seasoning:
- Stir in the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Pasta and Liquids:
- Add the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, heavy cream, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika. Stir well so the pasta is mostly submerged.
- Simmer:
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
- Finish the Sauce:
- Remove from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Check Seasoning:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Save Whenever we make this Cajun Alfredo, we gather around the table and enjoy it with garlic bread. It is an easy way to bring everyone together after a busy day.
Required Tools
Large deep skillet or Dutch oven with lid, wooden spoon or spatula, chefs knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons.
Allergen Information
Contains milk (cream, Parmesan cheese), wheat (pasta), and possibly soy (if present in sausage). Check sausage and broth ingredients for hidden allergens or gluten.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 680, Total Fat: 38 g, Carbohydrates: 54 g, Protein: 29 g
Save This Cajun-inspired pasta makes weeknight dinners exciting and quick. Enjoy the creamy, spicy flavors with all your loved ones!
Recipe Help & Answers
- → What type of sausage works best?
Smoked sausage adds a rich, smoky depth, but turkey or chicken sausage can be used for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
- → Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes, short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce well and cooks evenly in this one-pot method.
- → How spicy is the dish?
The Cajun seasoning adds moderate heat which can be adjusted by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra kick.
- → Is there a gluten-free alternative?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure chicken broth and sausage ingredients are gluten-free to adapt this dish accordingly.
- → What garnishes enhance the flavors?
Fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan add freshness and a creamy finish to the dish.
- → Can this be made ahead?
While best served fresh for creamy texture, leftovers reheat well with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.