Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo is a rich and creamy pasta dish combining smoky, slightly spicy sausage with a luscious Cajun-spiced Alfredo sauce. This dish is quick to prepare and delivers bold flavors in a comforting, cheesy sauce that clings to every bite of pasta.
You’ll love this recipe because it elevates traditional Alfredo with a smoky sausage and Cajun seasoning kick, balanced by creamy heavy cream and Parmesan. It’s a simple one-pan meal perfect for weeknights when you want something hearty and flavorful without fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz) package turkey smoked sausage, sliced ¼-inch thick
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
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Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté sliced sausage for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned.
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Add heavy cream and Cajun seasoning to the skillet; bring mixture to a boil.
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Reduce heat and simmer gently for 3-4 minutes or until the sauce starts to thicken.
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Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
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Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, coating evenly.
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Serve immediately, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan.
Tips for Success
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Use quality smoked sausage for authentic smoky flavor.
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Adjust Cajun seasoning to preferred spice level.
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Stir sauce continuously while simmering for smooth texture.
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Reserve some pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
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Serve with a side of garlic bread or salad.
Delicious Variations
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Add sautéed bell peppers and onions for extra veggies.
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Substitute turkey sausage with Andouille or spicy sausage.
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Mix in spinach or kale for added greens.
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Use half-and-half or cream cheese for a lighter sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cream and cheese substitutes.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has mild to moderate heat depending on Cajun seasoning amount.
Can I use other pasta shapes?
Any pasta works well but tube-shaped pastas hold sauce best.
How to store leftovers?
Keep in airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days; reheat gently.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freeze cooked pasta and sauce separately for up to 2 months.
Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Rich and creamy pasta dish with smoky, slightly spicy sausage in a luscious Cajun-spiced Alfredo sauce. Quick to prepare, delivering bold flavors in a comforting, cheesy sauce that coats every bite.
Ingredients
1 (14 oz) package turkey smoked sausage, sliced ¼-inch thick
8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni)
2 cups heavy cream
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté sliced sausage for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned.
Add heavy cream and Cajun seasoning to the skillet; bring mixture to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer gently for 3-4 minutes or until the sauce starts to thicken.
Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, coating evenly.
Serve immediately, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan.
Notes
Use quality smoked sausage for authentic smoky flavor.
Adjust Cajun seasoning for preferred heat.
Stir sauce continuously while simmering for smoothness.
Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
Serve with garlic bread or salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 33
- Saturated Fat: 19
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 28
- Cholesterol: 110
Keywords: smoked sausage cajun alfredo, creamy cajun pasta, spicy sausage alfredo, one-pan pasta recipe, hearty cajun dinner
