Pin A creamy, spicy one-pot pasta dish featuring smoked sausage, tender pasta, and a bold Cajun Alfredo sauce—perfect for busy weeknights.
I first made this Cajun Spiced Smoked Sausage Alfredo when we wanted a comforting dinner with a kick. The blend of smoky sausage and creamy pasta became an instant favorite at our table!
Ingredients
- Sausage & Vegetables: 14 oz (400 g) smoked sausage sliced into ¼ inch rounds, 1 medium yellow onion diced, 1 medium red bell pepper diced, 2 cloves garlic minced
- Pasta & Liquids: 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta, 4 cups (1 liter) low sodium chicken broth, 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- Cheeses: 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Seasonings: 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Garnish: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Sear Sausage:
- Heat a large deep skillet over medium high heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté 3 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Add Garlic & Cajun Seasoning:
- Stir in minced garlic and Cajun seasoning. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Pasta & Liquids:
- Add uncooked pasta, chicken broth, heavy cream, black pepper, salt, smoked paprika. Stir well to mostly submerge pasta.
- Simmer:
- Bring to gentle boil, reduce heat to medium low. Cover and simmer 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
- Add Cheese:
- Remove from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan until sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Pin This sausage Alfredo has become a go-to dish for family nights because everyone loves the flavor, and there's always room for seconds around the table.
Variations
Swap in turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version. Add extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms for more color.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal everyone will enjoy.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream.
Pin This creamy Cajun Alfredo is sure to spice up your weeknight dinners—perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of sausage works best here?
Smoked sausage slices add a bold, smoky flavor, but turkey or chicken sausage can be used for a lighter option.
- → Can I substitute the pasta?
Short pasta like penne is ideal for absorbing the creamy sauce, but rigatoni or rotini also work well.
- → How do I adjust the spiciness?
Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat, or reduce Cajun seasoning for a milder taste.
- → Is there a gluten-free version?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure sausage and broth are gluten-free to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
A crisp green salad or garlic bread complements the creamy, spicy flavors perfectly.
- → Can this be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and flavors deepen after resting, making it suitable for meal prep.
