Cajun Sausage Shrimp Alfredo

Featured in: Hearty Dinners

This creamy and spicy dish combines smoky andouille sausage with tender shrimp, simmered together in a rich Cajun Alfredo sauce. Sauteed onions, garlic, and red bell peppers add depth and sweetness, while penne or fettuccine pasta completes the hearty, comforting skillet. The sauce is built from butter, heavy cream, Parmesan, and chicken broth, seasoned with Cajun spices for a perfect balance of heat and creaminess. Garnished with fresh parsley, this one-pan meal is ideal for busy evenings and pairs well with simple sides like salad or garlic bread.

Updated on Tue, 11 Nov 2025 14:53:00 GMT
Cajun Sausage & Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Skillet in a creamy sauce, topped with parsley.  Pin
Cajun Sausage & Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Skillet in a creamy sauce, topped with parsley. | kitchenprairie.com

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

This dish quickly became a favorite in my home for its easy prep and bold flavors.

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

Step 1:
Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the andouille sausage and cook for 34 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
Step 3:
In the same skillet melt the butter. Add onion and red bell pepper sauté for 34 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Step 4:
Add the shrimp and 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Sauté for 23 minutes until the shrimp turn pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Step 5:
Pour in chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the pan. Add heavy cream and remaining Cajun seasoning bring to a simmer.
Step 6:
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 7:
Add cooked pasta sausage and shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce and heat through for 23 minutes.
Step 8:
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Flavorful Cajun Sausage & Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Skillet brings comfort to your dinner table.  Pin
Flavorful Cajun Sausage & Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Skillet brings comfort to your dinner table. | kitchenprairie.com
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My family loves gathering around this skillet meal especially on busy weeknights.

Required Tools

Large skillet, pot for boiling pasta, knife and cutting board, tongs or spatula

Allergen Information

Contains dairy shellfish and wheat. May contain gluten depending on sausage and pasta used. Double check all labels if concerned about allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving calories 590 total fat 31 g carbohydrates 45 g protein 32 g

One-pan Cajun Sausage & Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Skillet garnished with vibrant red bell pepper. Pin
One-pan Cajun Sausage & Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Skillet garnished with vibrant red bell pepper. | kitchenprairie.com

This one pan pasta is a delicious way to impress guests or enjoy a comforting dinner at home.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What type of sausage works best in this dish?

Andouille sausage is preferred for its smoky flavor, but smoked turkey or chicken sausage are good alternatives.

Can I substitute the pasta with a gluten-free option?

Yes, gluten-free pasta can be used to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

How do I adjust the spice level?

Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat, or reduce the Cajun seasoning for a milder flavor.

What cooking tools are needed?

A large skillet for sauteing and mixing, a pot for boiling the pasta, and common utensils such as a knife, cutting board, and tongs.

Can this dish be made ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh to enjoy the creamy texture and tender seafood, but leftovers can be stored and reheated gently.

Cajun Sausage Shrimp Alfredo

Spicy Cajun skillet with sausage, shrimp, and creamy Alfredo sauce, perfect for flavorful weeknight dinners.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
40 min


Skill level Medium

Heritage American (Cajun-inspired)

Output 4 Portions

Diet specifications None specified

Components

Proteins

01 8 oz andouille sausage, sliced
02 8 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta

01 10 oz penne or fettuccine pasta

Vegetables

01 1 small onion, finely chopped
02 1 red bell pepper, sliced
03 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

01 2 tbsp unsalted butter
02 1 cup heavy cream
03 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 ½ cup chicken broth

Seasonings

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

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare Pasta: Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Phase 02

Brown Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook sliced andouille sausage for 3 to 4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.

Phase 03

Sauté Vegetables: Melt butter in the same skillet. Add onion and red bell pepper, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Phase 04

Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning to skillet. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until shrimp turn pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Incorporate Cheese and Season: Add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Phase 07

Combine and Heat Through: Return cooked pasta, sausage, and shrimp to skillet. Toss to coat evenly with sauce and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until heated.

Phase 08

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

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (heavy cream, Parmesan cheese)
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp)
  • Contains wheat (pasta); may contain gluten depending on ingredients

Nutrient content (each portion)

This data is offered as a general guide and isn't a substitute for professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 590
  • Fat: 31 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Protein: 32 g