Save to Pinterest A creamy, spicy one-pan pasta featuring smoky sausage, succulent shrimp, and a rich Cajun Alfredo sauce is perfect for weeknight comfort.
When I first tried this recipe, my family immediately asked for seconds and wanted it in our weekly rotation. The blend of sausage and shrimp brings the best Cajun flavors to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- Andouille sausage: 225 g (8 oz), sliced
- Large shrimp: 225 g (8 oz), peeled and deveined
- Pasta: 300 g (10 oz) penne or fettuccine
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Red bell pepper: 1, sliced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp
- Heavy cream: 240 ml (1 cup)
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 60 g (½ cup)
- Chicken broth: 120 ml (½ cup)
- Cajun seasoning: 1½ tbsp (plus extra to taste)
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
- Chopped fresh parsley: 2 tbsp (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 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add onion and red bell pepper; sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Cook shrimp:
- Add the 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.
- Finish sauce:
- 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:
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Save to Pinterest I love making this skillet on busy nights because everyone gathers quickly at the table, drawn by the savory aroma. Even picky eaters are happy to dig in together!
Required Tools
Large skillet, pot for boiling pasta, knife and cutting board, tongs or spatula.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy, shellfish, and wheat. Double-check sausage and pasta labels if avoiding gluten or allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 590, Total Fat: 31 g, Carbohydrates: 45 g, Protein: 32 g.
Save to Pinterest This skillet pasta is comfort food at its best: every bite is creamy, savory, and a little bit spicy. Enjoy the vibrant Cajun flavors with your whole family!
Ask About This Recipe
- → How do I prevent shrimp from overcooking?
Sauté shrimp briefly until they turn pink and curl slightly, usually 2-3 minutes. Remove promptly to avoid toughness.
- → Can I substitute the sausage for another meat?
Yes, smoked turkey or chicken sausage work well for a lighter option without losing the smoky flavor.
- → What pasta types work best with this dish?
Penne or fettuccine are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well, but other medium-cut pastas can also be used.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Increase Cajun seasoning or add cayenne pepper for more heat; reduce seasoning for a milder taste.
- → Is there a gluten-free option?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure sausage is gluten-free to adapt the dish accordingly.