Pin A creamy, spicy one-pan pasta featuring smoky sausage, succulent shrimp, and a rich Cajun Alfredo sauce: perfect for weeknight comfort.
When I first made this skillet for my family, the aroma alone had everyone rushing to the kitchen, and even the pickiest eaters went back for seconds.
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)
- 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 the pasta:
- Bring salted water to a boil, add pasta, and cook according to package until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the sausage:
- In a large skillet on medium heat, cook andouille sausage for 3&4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Melt butter in the skillet. Add onion and bell pepper, sauté for 3&4 minutes until softened. Add garlic, cook for 1 minute.
- Cook shrimp:
- Add shrimp and 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Sauté for 2&3 minutes until shrimp turn pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Make the sauce:
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping browned bits. Add heavy cream and remaining Cajun seasoning, bring to a simmer.
- Add cheese and season:
- Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine pasta and proteins:
- Add cooked pasta, sausage, and shrimp. Toss in sauce and heat through for 2&3 minutes.
- Garnish and serve:
- Top with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Pin This skillet is a regular in our home: my children love stirring in the cheese and sprinkling parsley right before it goes to the table. Pasta night always means stories and laughter around the dinner table.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad to add freshness, and serve garlic bread alongside for dipping into the rich Cajun Alfredo sauce.
Variations
Substitute gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version, or add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce for extra heat tailored to your preference.
Nutrition Information
This recipe provides approximately 590 calories, 31 g fat, 45 g carbohydrates, and 32 g protein per serving.
Pin Make this skillet part of your weeknight rotation, and enjoy bold Cajun flavors with minimal fuss. You won&t be able to resist a second helping!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, smoked turkey sausage or chicken can be substituted for andouille for a different flavor or dietary preference.
- → How do I make it gluten-free?
Simply replace traditional pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety and ensure sausage ingredients are gluten-free.
- → What side dishes pair well?
Crisp green salad and garlic bread complement the creamy, spicy pasta, while a chilled Chardonnay works well for drinks.
- → Is this dish spicy?
It's moderately spicy from Cajun seasoning. Increase heat with cayenne or hot sauce, or reduce Cajun seasoning as desired.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
The components can be prepped in advance, but sauce and pasta are best combined fresh for optimal texture and flavor.