Cajun Sausage Shrimp Alfredo

Featured in: Simple Comfort Plates

This dish blends smoky andouille sausage with tender shrimp in a rich, creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce. Cooked together with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and garlic, then tossed with pasta, it offers a flavorful and satisfying meal. The balance of spice and creaminess makes it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Garnished with fresh parsley, it's both vibrant and comforting, delivering hearty textures and bold Southern-inspired tastes in every bite.

Updated on Sun, 09 Nov 2025 13:17:00 GMT
Creamy Cajun Sausage & Shrimp Alfredo Pasta served in a vibrant skillet. Pin it
Creamy Cajun Sausage & Shrimp Alfredo Pasta served in a vibrant skillet. | freshymeals.com

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

I love making this skillet when I want something hearty yet quick it never disappoints.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Cook Pasta:
Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente Drain and set aside
Cook 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
Make Sauce:
Pour in chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the pan Add heavy cream and remaining Cajun seasoning bring to a simmer
Finish Sauce:
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth Season with salt and pepper
Combine Ingredients:
Add cooked pasta sausage and shrimp to the skillet Toss to coat in the sauce and heat through for 2–3 minutes
Garnish:
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot
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This recipe brings my family together especially on busy weeknights when everyone craves a comforting meal.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this skillet with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal that complements the rich flavors.

Variations

Substitute smoked turkey sausage or chicken for a different protein or add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days reheat gently on the stove.

One-pan Cajun Sausage & Shrimp Alfredo Pasta, garnished with fresh parsley. Pin it
One-pan Cajun Sausage & Shrimp Alfredo Pasta, garnished with fresh parsley. | freshymeals.com

This flavorful Cajun sausage and shrimp Alfredo skillet is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Recipe FAQs

What type of sausage works best in this dish?

Andouille sausage is preferred for its smoky, spicy flavor, but smoked turkey sausage or chicken sausage can be used as alternatives.

How can I make the dish spicier?

Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce enhances the heat without overwhelming the creamy sauce.

What pasta types are suitable for this skillet?

Penne and fettuccine both work well as they hold the sauce nicely and complement the sturdy ingredients.

Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and ensure the sausage is gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.

How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Sauté the shrimp briefly until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes; this keeps them tender and juicy.

What side dishes pair well with this meal?

A crisp green salad and garlic bread complement the creamy, spicy flavors and add texture contrast.

Cajun Sausage Shrimp Alfredo

One-pan creamy pasta with sausage, shrimp, and a spicy Cajun Alfredo sauce.

How long to prep
15 min
Time to cook
25 min
Overall time
40 min
Recipe by Freshymeals Lily Carter

Dish category Simple Comfort Plates

Skill level Medium

Cuisine type American (Cajun-inspired)

Makes 4 Serving size

Dietary details None specified

What you need

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 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 ½ cup chicken broth

Seasonings

01 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning, plus extra to taste
02 Salt and black pepper, to taste
03 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Steps to follow

Step 01

Prepare Pasta: Cook pasta in salted boiling water following package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.

Step 02

Brown Sausage: Over medium heat, brown andouille sausage in a large skillet for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove and reserve.

Step 03

Sauté Vegetables: Melt butter in the same skillet, then add onion and red bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 04

Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; sauté until shrimp are pink, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 05

Prepare Sauce: Pour chicken broth into skillet, scraping browned bits from the bottom. Add heavy cream and remaining Cajun seasoning; bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Combine Ingredients: Return cooked pasta, sausage, and shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat thoroughly in the sauce and heat through for 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 08

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

Tools you’ll need

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

Allergy info

Always check each ingredient for allergens and talk to a professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (heavy cream, Parmesan cheese), shellfish (shrimp), and wheat (pasta). May contain gluten depending on sausage and pasta choice.

Nutrition info (per portion)

Nutrition details are for reference only, not a substitute for health advice.
  • Calories per serving: 590
  • Fat content: 31 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Protein amount: 32 g