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 sausage Alfredo was on a weeknight when we needed something filling and flavorful but didn&t want to fuss with multiple pots. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, making cleanup a breeze!
Ingredients
- Smoked sausage: 14 oz (400 g), sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- Yellow onion: 1 medium, diced
- Red bell pepper: 1 medium, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Penne pasta: 12 oz (340 g) or other short pasta
- Chicken broth: 4 cups (1 liter), low-sodium
- Heavy cream: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Parmesan cheese: 1 cup (100 g), freshly grated
- Cajun seasoning: 1½ tablespoons, store-bought or homemade
- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Smoked paprika: ¼ teaspoon (optional, for extra smokiness)
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese: For serving
Instructions
- Brown sausage:
- Heat a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
- Add aromatics:
- Stir in minced garlic and Cajun seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add pasta and liquids:
- Add uncooked pasta, chicken broth, heavy cream, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika. Stir well so pasta is mostly submerged.
- Simmer:
- Bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
- Finish sauce:
- Remove from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Taste and serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Save This hearty Cajun Alfredo is always a hit at family dinners. My kids especially love getting involved with sprinkling the Parmesan and parsley before serving!
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to round out the meal and balance the rich, spicy flavors.
Make It Lighter
Swap in turkey or chicken sausage and use less cream for a lighter version without sacrificing taste.
Gluten-Free Option
For a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free pasta and double-check all packaged ingredients for gluten content.
Save This Cajun Alfredo is sure to become a weeknight favorite. Enjoy the bold flavors and easy clean-up every time!
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make the sausage more flavorful?
Browning the smoked sausage before adding other ingredients intensifies its flavor and adds a rich, smoky depth to the dish.
- → Can I substitute the pasta type?
Yes, any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli works well as they hold the creamy sauce nicely.
- → What adds heat to this dish?
The Cajun seasoning provides a balanced spicy kick; adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce can increase heat if desired.
- → How do I achieve a creamy sauce?
Simmering pasta in cream and broth together allows the sauce to thicken naturally; stirring in freshly grated Parmesan at the end enhances creaminess.
- → Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your sausage and broth ingredients are gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.