Save 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 recipe on a busy Tuesday night and was amazed how fast dinner came together with just one pot. Everyone loved the spicy sausage and creamy Alfredo sauce.
Ingredients
- Smoked sausage: 14 oz (400 g), sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- Yellow onion: 1 medium, diced
- Red bell pepper: 1 medium, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Penne pasta: 12 oz (340 g) or other short pasta
- Low-sodium chicken broth: 4 cups (1 liter)
- Heavy cream: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Parmesan cheese: 1 cup (100 g), freshly grated
- Cajun seasoning: 1½ tablespoons (store-bought or homemade)
- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon, adjust to taste
- Smoked paprika: ¼ teaspoon (optional for extra smokiness)
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese: For serving
Instructions
- Brown the sausage:
- Heat a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
- Add garlic and seasonings:
- Stir in the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add pasta and liquids:
- Add the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, heavy cream, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika. Stir well, ensuring pasta is mostly submerged.
- Simmer:
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish the sauce:
- Remove from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Adjust and garnish:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Save This Cajun pasta has become a favorite for our family movie nights. My kids ask for seconds every time, and we love topping with extra Parmesan together at the table.
Required Tools
Large deep skillet or Dutch oven with lid, wooden spoon or spatula, chefs knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 680 calories, 38 g total fat, 54 g carbohydrates, and 29 g protein.
Recipe Variations
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce. Substitute turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version, or try gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
Save Serve this Cajun sausage Alfredo hot, straight from the pan for the best flavor. Add plenty of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for a perfect finish.
Recipe FAQ
- → What pasta works best in this dish?
Short pasta shapes like penne soak up the creamy sauce well and hold their texture during simmering.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce enhances heat, while reducing Cajun seasoning creates a milder flavor.
- → Is it possible to use other types of sausage?
Turkey or chicken sausage can replace smoked sausage for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
- → How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and verify that both broth and sausage have gluten-free labels.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated, adding a splash of broth to restore creaminess.
- → What sides complement this dish?
Try a crisp green salad and garlic bread to balance the richness and spice.