Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Alfredo Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish packed with bold Cajun spices, juicy shrimp, and smoky sausage. The rich Alfredo sauce perfectly coats the pasta, making this a satisfying and comforting meal. Whether you’re craving a restaurant-quality dinner at home or need a quick yet impressive dish for guests, this recipe delivers big flavors with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with flavor – Cajun seasoning, smoky sausage, and garlic-infused Alfredo sauce create an irresistible combination.
- Creamy and indulgent – The rich Parmesan Alfredo sauce adds a velvety texture to every bite.
- Quick and easy – Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice level or swap proteins for a personalized dish.
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 8 oz smoked sausage (sliced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Season and Cook Shrimp
Toss shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the Sausage
In the same skillet, cook sliced sausage until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. Make the Alfredo Sauce
Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, remaining Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
5. Combine Everything
Add cooked pasta, shrimp, and sausage to the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated.
6. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Protein Swap – Use chicken, scallops, or crawfish instead of shrimp.
- Spicier Version – Add extra Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
- Healthier Alternative – Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of Greek yogurt and milk.
- Low-Carb Option – Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to maintain creaminess.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes! Reduce the Cajun seasoning and paprika to tone down the heat.
2. What type of sausage works best?
Smoked sausage, andouille, or kielbasa work great for this recipe.
3. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, just heat it for about a minute in the skillet before adding it to the pasta.
4. What’s the best pasta for this dish?
Fettuccine, penne, or linguine work best as they hold the creamy sauce well.
5. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free cream alternative and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
6. What vegetables can I add?
Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms complement the flavors well.
7. How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from separating?
Stir constantly over low heat and avoid overheating the cream.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply adjust ingredient quantities while maintaining the same cooking method.
9. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but store the sauce separately from the pasta and combine when ready to serve.
10. What sides pair well with this pasta?
Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad make great sides.
Conclusion
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Alfredo Pasta is a perfect blend of creamy, smoky, and spicy flavors that will impress anyone at the table. It’s quick, easy, and full of bold flavors, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Try this delicious recipe today, and enjoy restaurant-quality pasta from the comfort of your home!
Print
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Alfredo Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun, Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Alfredo Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and indulgent dish loaded with bold flavors. Juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and a rich Parmesan Alfredo sauce perfectly coat tender pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 8 oz smoked sausage (sliced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta – Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
-
Season and Cook Shrimp – Toss shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
-
Cook the Sausage – In the same skillet, cook sliced sausage until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
-
Make the Alfredo Sauce – Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, remaining Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
-
Combine Everything – Add cooked pasta, shrimp, and sausage to the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated.
-
Garnish and Serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra heat, add more Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce.
- Swap shrimp with chicken, crawfish, or scallops for variety.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms make great additions.
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