Save A creamy, spicy one-pot pasta dish featuring smoked sausage, tender pasta, and a bold Cajun Alfredo sauce—perfect for busy weeknights.
I love Cajun flavors and this Alfredo always impresses my family when I need something special in a hurry. The smoked sausage and creamy sauce are an irresistible combo that brings everyone to the table fast.
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)
- Low-sodium chicken broth: 4 cups (1 liter)
- 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, for garnish
- Extra Parmesan cheese: For serving
Instructions
- Brown 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.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
- Add garlic and 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, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged.
- Simmer covered:
- 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 of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with cheese:
- Remove from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Adjust & serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Pin it My kids love helping sprinkle parsley over the finished pasta before we dig in as a family. This dish has become a go-to for our cozy movie nights together.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this Cajun Alfredo with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread to balance the creamy and spicy flavors.
Ingredient Swaps
Try turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter meal, or amp up the heat with hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess if needed.
Pin it This Cajun sausage Alfredo brings big flavors with minimal effort—perfect for busy nights or whenever you want something hearty and satisfying!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long does it take to cook this dish?
It takes roughly 25 minutes of cooking time plus 10 minutes of preparation, totaling about 35 minutes.
- → Can I substitute the smoked sausage?
Yes, turkey or chicken sausage can be used as a lighter alternative without compromising flavor.
- → What type of pasta works best?
Short pastas like penne are ideal as they absorb the sauce well and cook evenly in one pot.
- → How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this dish?
The Cajun seasoning adds a moderate heat; for more spice, cayenne pepper or hot sauce can be added.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Use gluten-free pasta and verify the broth and sausage are gluten-free to adapt this dish accordingly.
- → What garnishes enhance the dish?
Fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese add brightness and richness to the final dish.