Save A creamy spicy one-pan pasta featuring smoky sausage succulent shrimp and a rich Cajun Alfredo sauce is perfect for weeknight comfort.
My family always requests this dish on chilly evenings when we crave something creamy and a touch spicy. The smoky sausage with succulent shrimp makes every bite feel like a celebration.
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
Instructions
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook the 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 add the andouille sausage and cook for 3&ndash4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same skillet melt the butter. Add onion and red bell pepper sauté for 3&ndash4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Cook Shrimp:
- Add the shrimp and 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Sauté for 2&ndash3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Prepare 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:
- 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&ndash3 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Pin it The first time I made this for my parents everyone went back for seconds and it has truly become our go-to pasta comfort meal for gatherings.
Required Tools
Large skillet pot for boiling pasta knife and cutting board and tongs or spatula are helpful for easy preparation.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy cream and Parmesan shellfish shrimp and wheat pasta. Double-check products for potential gluten if needed.
Nutritional Information
Per serving calories 590 total fat 31 g carbohydrates 45 g protein 32 g.
Pin it This pasta is sure to impress and is ready in under an hour. Enjoy with loved ones and savor every spicy creamy bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of sausage is used in this dish?
Andouille sausage is used to infuse smoky, spicy flavor that complements the Cajun seasoning nicely.
- → Can I substitute the pasta type?
Yes, penne or fettuccine works well, but other firm pasta shapes can substitute to hold the creamy sauce.
- → How do I achieve the creamy sauce consistency?
Simmer heavy cream and chicken broth with Cajun spices, then melt Parmesan cheese in the sauce for smooth richness.
- → Is it necessary to cook shrimp and sausage separately?
Cooking them separately ensures proper texture and prevents overcooking, retaining shrimp's tenderness and sausage's browning.
- → What can enhance the heat level in this dish?
A dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce can be added for extra heat without overpowering the other flavors.