Cajun Sausage Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

Featured in: Spicy Entrées

This one-pan Cajun-inspired dish brings together smoky andouille sausage, juicy shrimp, and tender pasta enveloped in a rich Alfredo sauce with a spicy Cajun kick. Fresh vegetables and garlic infuse each bite, while Parmesan cheese and cream lend a silky texture. Quick to prepare in a single skillet, this meal is perfect for sharing and pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad and garlic bread. Customize with your favorite proteins or adjust the heat for personal taste. Try gluten-free pasta for a lighter version, and garnish with parsley for a burst of color.

Updated on Sun, 09 Nov 2025 13:02:00 GMT
Creamy Cajun Sausage & Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Skillet garnished with fresh parsley and red bell pepper.  Save
Creamy Cajun Sausage & Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Skillet garnished with fresh parsley and red bell pepper. | pepperplume.com

A creamy, spicy one-pan pasta featuring smoky sausage, succulent shrimp, and a rich Cajun Alfredo sauce—perfect for weeknight comfort.

Ingredients

  • 225 g (8 oz) andouille sausage: sliced
  • 225 g (8 oz) large shrimp: peeled and deveined
  • 300 g (10 oz) penne or fettuccine:
  • 1 small onion: finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper: sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic: minced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter:
  • 240 ml (1 cup) heavy cream:
  • 60 g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese:
  • 120 ml (½ cup) chicken broth:
  • 1½ tbsp Cajun seasoning: (plus extra to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper: to taste
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the pasta:
in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown the 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.
Prepare the sauce base:
Pour in chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the pan. Add heavy cream and remaining Cajun seasoning; bring to a simmer.
Finish the sauce:
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 2–3 minutes.
Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
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Required Tools

  • Large skillet
  • Pot for boiling pasta
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Tongs or spatula

Allergen Information

  • Contains dairy (cream, Parmesan), shellfish (shrimp), and wheat (pasta).
  • May contain gluten depending on sausage and pasta used.
  • Double-check all labels if concerned about allergens.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 590
  • Total Fat: 31 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Protein: 32 g

Spicy Cajun Sausage & Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Skillet, a comforting one-pan dinner delight.  Save
Spicy Cajun Sausage & Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Skillet, a comforting one-pan dinner delight. | pepperplume.com

This Cajun Sausage & Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Skillet promises a satisfying and flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, smoked turkey sausage or chicken work well as substitutes and offer different flavor profiles.

How can I adjust the spice level?

Increase Cajun seasoning or add cayenne pepper for extra heat, or reduce seasoning for milder flavor.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your sausage is gluten-free for a suitable alternative.

What wines pair well with this dish?

A lightly chilled Chardonnay complements the creamy and spicy notes of this skillet pasta.

Are there dairy-free options?

Swap the cream and Parmesan with plant-based versions for a dairy-free version, though taste may vary.

What side dishes complement this meal?

Fresh green salad and garlic bread are excellent sides to balance flavors and complete your meal.

Cajun Sausage Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

Savory andouille, shrimp, creamy Alfredo, and Cajun seasoning blend in a comforting skillet pasta.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Isabella Flores


Complexity Medium

Heritage American Cajun-inspired

Output 4 Portions

Diet considerations None specified

Components

Proteins

01 8 oz andouille sausage, sliced
02 8 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta

01 10 oz penne or fettuccine

Vegetables

01 1 small onion, finely chopped
02 1 red bell pepper, sliced
03 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 1 cup heavy cream
03 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 1/2 cup chicken broth

Seasonings

01 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, plus extra to taste
02 Salt and black pepper, to taste
03 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare Pasta: Cook pasta in a pot of salted boiling water following package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Phase 02

Brown Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until browned. Transfer sausage to a plate and set aside.

Phase 03

Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter. Add chopped onion and sliced red bell pepper, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables are softened. Add minced garlic, cooking for 1 additional minute.

Phase 04

Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning to the skillet. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until shrimp are just pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Phase 05

Prepare Alfredo Sauce: Pour chicken broth into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits. Add heavy cream and remaining Cajun seasoning, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Phase 06

Add Cheese & Season: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Phase 07

Combine and Heat: Add cooked pasta, browned sausage, and shrimp to the skillet. Toss all ingredients together, coating with the sauce. Heat through for 2 to 3 minutes.

Phase 08

Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the skillet and serve immediately while hot.

Necessary tools

  • Large skillet
  • Pot for boiling pasta
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Tongs or spatula

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and seek professional health advice if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy from cream and Parmesan cheese.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp).
  • Contains wheat due to pasta.
  • Verify sausage and pasta labels for potential gluten content.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 590
  • Fats: 31 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Proteins: 32 g