This Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo Pasta is 9 simple ingredients, takes less 20 minutes to make, and is SO good! With a creamy sauce that has a nice kick of spice, this is a comforting and easy pasta recipe that anyone will enjoy.
Movies and food are two things that are perfect together. Recently, I was watching one of my favorites, “The Holiday.” In the movie, on Christmas Eve night, Kate Winslet wants to lift Jack Black’s spirits with some Christmas Fettuccine. I mean, what doesn’t lift the spirits more than a rich and decadent pasta dish?
This made me think of one of our family favorites, Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo Pasta, and I immediately knew what was for dinner. Better yet, it's great for any night of the week since it really uses only one skillet and one pot. It's minimal prep with minimal mess!
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Now with my crowd-winning alfredo recipe, I use a curly trecce or penne pasta which helps that creamy alfredo sauce coat the noodles perfectly. Andouille or smoked sausage is my protein of choice for this cajun pasta, but you could also use chicken or shrimp for another delicious version.
I love an easy, comforting pasta! You should also try my chicken garlic alfredo, one pot Italian sausage pasta, or sausage spaghetti.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Like This Recipe
- Bold, Savory Flavors: Cajun alfredo pasta combines the rich, creamy taste of Alfredo sauce with the bold and spicy flavors of Cajun seasoning.
- Easy to Prepare & Easy Weeknight Dinner: With only 9 simple ingredients, it makes for a great dinner option on busy weeknights!
- Customizable: The spice level, protein choice, and types of vegetables used are easy to adjust.
- Comfort Food Perfection: The pasta, creamy sauce, and savory flavors are everything you’re looking for in a feel-good meal!
Ingredients for Cajun Smoked Sausage Alfredo
Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below
- Olive Oil: Contributes to the rich and savory flavors of caramelizing the sausage.
- Andouille Sausage or Smoked Sausage: The core ingredient to this recipe. It imparts a rich, savory flavor to the pasta and contributes a satisfying meaty texture.
- Pasta: Serves as a vehicle to carry the flavors of the sausage, Cajun seasoning, and Alfredo sauce. The kind of pasta is personal preference.
- Bell Peppers: Green bell pepper and red bell pepper contributes a delightful sweetness, vibrant colors, and satisfying texture.
- Yellow Onion: Provides a subtle sweetness that complements the spiciness of the Cajun seasoning.
- Heavy Whipping Cream (Heavy Cream) and Milk: Contributes to the creaminess of the Alfredo sauce.
- Cajun Seasoning: Brings a bold and zesty taste, giving the Alfredo sauce a unique and flavorful Cajun twist. Tony Chachere is my go-to cajun seasoning.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty and nutty flavor.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large Skillet
- Stockpot
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Stirring Spoon
- Rotary Cheese Grater
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Liquid Measuring Cups
How to Make Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo Pasta
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt to the water and prepare pasta according to package directions. Once al dente, reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain and set aside.
- Slice sausage into ¼-inch slices. Add oil to a large skillet on medium-high heat. Once hot, saute sausage 3-4 minutes. Add peppers and onions and cook an additional 8 minutes.
- Lower to medium heat and pour in cream, milk, and seasoning. Once bubbles appear at the edge of the pan, add the cooked pasta and parmesan cheese and simmer 2 minutes. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
- Serve and garnish with additional parmesan cheese.
Recipe Tips and Substitutions
- For an extra pop of color, add fresh parsley or green onion as a garnish.
- Here's a pro tip: If you’re wondering “How much salt should I put in my pasta water,” use the rule of thumb 1:1:4
- 1 pound of pasta : 1 tablespoon salt : 4 quarts (16 cups) water
- Andouille sausage is sharper and smokier than other varieties. It lends many of the popular cajun flavors. Smoked sausage, chicken, or turkey sausage can work great in this dish as well.
- Seasoned, seared, and sliced chicken breasts or thighs also work excellent in this dish!
- If you have a dairy intolerance, you can substitute the milk and cream with a dairy-free milk and thicken with the pasta water or a cornstarch slurry made with water and cornstarch.
- Pasta with a cylindrical shape holds and carries the sauce well. Trecce or penne pasta is our favorite pasta for cajun sausage alfredo pasta. Others that work well are rigatoni, rotini, farfalle, cavatappi, and fusilli. You can also use something like fettuccini, but I feel that the curly noodles bind the sauce better.
- This Homemade Cajun Seasoning is the perfect blend of spices that you can make and have in your pantry on hand for many dishes! It’s delicious and also a lower sodium alternative to many store-bought varieties.
What to Serve with Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo Pasta
Smoked sausage Alfredo pasta is a flavorful dish and filling on its own, but you can enhance the meal by serving it with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread, Garlic Biscuits or Breadsticks: The garlic flavor complements and is excellent to dip in the creamy Alfredo sauce!
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or Caesar salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- Pan Seared Vegetables: Vegetables like asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli can add a burst of color and a nutritious element to the meal.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed vegetables, such as green beans or broccoli, can be a great choice to balance the richness of the pasta.
- Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms, can add a smoky flavor that complements the smoked sausage.
- Caprese Salad: A Caprese salad with garlic bread, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze can provide a light and refreshing contrast.
Storage and Freezing
Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Consume within 3-4 days. Beyond this timeframe, the quality may start to degrade.
Avoid Freezing: While pasta dishes with cream-based sauces can be frozen, the quality of Alfredo sauce may be affected. If you choose to freeze, note that the texture of the sauce might change upon thawing.
FAQs
We like a spicy cajun chicken Alfredo, but you can easily adjust the level of heat. There are different spice levels in different cajun seasonings, so try some out and pick your favorite! Start with a smaller quantity, taste, and add more gradually until you achieve the desired level of spiciness.
If you want a spicy kick, then add a dash of cayenne pepper, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or serve the pasta with hot sauce.
I recommend either cajun seasoning or lots of garlic! It will infuse the cream in the sauce for so much flavor in each bite.
A curly pasta like trecce, is perfect. The spiral noodles bind the sauce better than straight noodles like fettuccini or spaghetti.
Yes, you can use various types of sausage, such as Andouille, smoked sausage, chicken sausage, or spicy Italian sausage, to add a Cajun flair to your Alfredo pasta. Choose a sausage that complements your spice preference.
While the pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can make and reheat at a later time. The sauce can thicken once it cools and is refrigerated, so stir in additional milk if needed.
If the sauce is too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding a small amount of reserved pasta cooking water or regular water until it reaches your desired thickness.
Yes, you can explore dairy-free alternatives for the Alfredo sauce, such as using cashew cream or a non-dairy milk substitute. Adjust seasoning and ingredients to match your dietary preferences.
Reheat the pasta gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water to maintain the sauce's creaminess. Stir frequently to ensure even heating.
Yes! You could also sauté sliced mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli.
More Easy Pasta Recipes
Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds andouille or smoked sausage sliced into discs
- 1 pound curly or cylindrical pasta *see note
- 2 bell peppers red and green, sliced
- ½ medium onion sliced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 2 cups milk
- 1-2 teaspoons cajun seasoning
- ½ cup grated parmesan plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain and set aside.
- Add oil to a large skillet on medium-high heat. Once hot, sear sausage 3 minutes. Add peppers and onions and sauté an additional 8 minutes.
- Turn the heat to medium and pour in cream, milk and seasoning. Once bubbles appear at the edge of the pan, add pasta and parmesan cheese and simmer 2 minutes. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
- Serve and garnish with additional parmesan cheese.
Video
Notes
Recipe Tips and Substitutions
- For an extra pop of color, add fresh parsley or green onion as a garnish.
- Here's a pro tip: If you’re wondering “How much salt should I put in my pasta water,” use the rule of thumb 1:1:4
- 1 pound of pasta : 1 tablespoon salt : 4 quarts (16 cups) water
- Andouille sausage is sharper and smokier than other varieties. It lends many of the popular cajun flavors. Smoked sausage, chicken, or turkey sausage can work great in this dish as well.
- Seasoned, seared, and sliced chicken breasts or thighs also work excellent in this dish!
- If you have a dairy intolerance, you can substitute the milk and cream with a dairy-free milk and thicken with the pasta water or a cornstarch slurry made with water and cornstarch.
- Pasta with a cylindrical shape holds and carries the sauce well. Trecce or penne pasta is our favorite pasta for cajun sausage alfredo pasta. Others that work well are rigatoni, rotini, farfalle, cavatappi, and fusilli. You can also use something like fettuccini, but I feel that the curly noodles bind the sauce better.
MJ
I have had this twice and it is over the top delicious!
Laura Ashley
I’m so happy you liked it so much!!
ST
It was sooo good!!!!! Just made it and the whole family loved it. Love your recipes and watching you on Instagram. Thank you, Laura
Laura Ashley
You're so kind! THANK YOU so much! It makes my heart so happy that you made it and that your family loved it! Thank you for all your support! It means a lot to me!