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.

I love making this dish when I want something hearty yet simple that fills the kitchen with amazing aromas.

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

Cook Pasta:

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

Brown Sausage:

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.

Sauté Vegetables:

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.

Prepare Sauce:

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

Finish Sauce:

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

Combine Ingredients:

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.

Serve:

Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

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This recipe always brings my family together around the table for a warm and satisfying meal.

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

Calories 680, Total Fat 42 g, Carbohydrates 47 g, Protein 26 g per serving

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This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or whenever you crave rich Cajun flavors.

Common recipe questions

→ What type of sausage works best for this dish?

Smoked sausages like andouille or kielbasa provide the ideal smoky flavor that complements the Cajun spices well.

→ Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce increases heat, while reducing Cajun seasoning tones it down.

→ How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Simmer the cream gently and stir in Parmesan gradually to ensure a smooth, stable Alfredo sauce.

→ Is there a good substitute for penne pasta?

Other medium pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli work well for holding the creamy sauce evenly.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Simple sides like a crisp green salad or garlic bread balance the richness and enhance the meal.