Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo

A creamy, spicy pasta dish combining smoky sausage, Cajun spices, and a rich Alfredo sauce for a comforting meal ready in just 20 minutes.

This dish quickly became a family favorite when I served it on a busy weeknight.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
• Sausage: 12 oz (340 g) smoked sausage (e.g., andouille or kielbasa) sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• Vegetables: 1 small yellow onion finely chopped, 1 red bell pepper diced, 2 cloves garlic minced
• Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream, 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste), ¼ tsp black pepper, ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• Garnish: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1:

Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2:

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove sausage and set aside.

Step 3:

In the same skillet, add butter. Once melted, sauté onion and red bell pepper for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4:

Stir in the heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Bring to a simmer.

Step 5:

Reduce heat to low, add Parmesan cheese, and stir until melted and sauce is smooth.

Step 6:

Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Add the cooked penne and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional Cajun spice if desired.

Step 7:

Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

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We enjoyed this dish during a cozy family dinner that brought everyone together.

Required Tools

Large pot for boiling pasta, large skillet, chefs knife, cutting board, wooden spoon or spatula, grater for Parmesan

Allergen Information

Contains milk/dairy (cream Parmesan cheese) and wheat (penne pasta). Contains possible sulfites in some smoked sausages. Double-check sausage ingredients for allergens or gluten if sensitive.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 680 Total Fat 42 g Carbohydrates 47 g Protein 26 g

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Enjoy this flavorful and creamy Cajun Alfredo that perfectly balances spice and comfort.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of sausage works best?

Smoked sausages like andouille or kielbasa add a smoky depth, but turkey or chicken sausages can be used for a lighter variation.

→ Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, adding extra Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce can increase the heat to your preference.

→ How should I cook the pasta?

Boil penne in salted water until al dente, then drain thoroughly before mixing with the sauce to maintain texture.

→ What alternatives exist for heavy cream?

For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half or use a dairy-free cream alternative, though the sauce may be less rich.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the components separately and combine just before serving to keep textures fresh and flavorful.