Print

Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo Pasta

Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo Pasta

Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo Pasta is a quick and satisfying meal blending tender pasta with rich, creamy Alfredo sauce, smoky sausage, and bold Cajun spices. Ready in under 30 minutes, this flavorful one-pot dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, offering a comforting balance of creamy, spicy, and smoky flavors that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Sausage

  • 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces

Pasta

  • 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice

Vegetables

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced

Sauce Components

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Others

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Reserved pasta water, about 1 cup (for adjusting sauce consistency)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce later.
  2. Cook the Sausage and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté sliced smoked sausage until browned and slightly crispy. Remove sausage and set aside. In the same skillet, add diced onions and bell peppers; cook until tender and fragrant.
  3. Make the Cajun Alfredo Sauce: Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet with the softened vegetables, cooking briefly until aromatic. Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle Cajun seasoning, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly.
  4. Combine Everything: Return the browned sausage to the skillet, then stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy texture.
  5. Finish and Serve: Adjust salt and black pepper to taste, then plate the Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo Pasta while hot. Garnish with fresh herbs or extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • Use quality smoked sausage for the best flavor.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; keep it al dente to maintain texture.
  • Reserve pasta water to help loosen and perfect the sauce consistency.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and flavor.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning gradually to control spice level.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked sausage, Cajun, Alfredo pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, one-pot meal, spicy pasta, comfort food