Pin It A creamy, spicy one-pan pasta featuring smoky sausage, succulent shrimp, and a rich Cajun Alfredo sauce – perfect for weeknight comfort.
This skillet has become my weeknight comfort go-to whenever I want something indulgent yet simple. The combination of smoky sausage and juicy shrimp in a creamy, spicy sauce always impresses family and guests alike.
Ingredients
- Andouille sausage: 225 g (8 oz), sliced
- Large shrimp: 225 g (8 oz), peeled and deveined
- Penne or fettuccine: 300 g (10 oz)
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Red bell pepper: 1, sliced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp
- Heavy cream: 240 ml (1 cup)
- Parmesan cheese: 60 g (½ cup), grated
- Chicken broth: 120 ml (½ cup)
- Cajun seasoning: 1½ tbsp (plus extra to taste)
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta:
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown sausage:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook andouille sausage for 3 to 4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Melt butter in the same skillet. Add onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Cook shrimp:
- Add shrimp and 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Make sauce:
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape any bits from the pan. Add heavy cream and remaining Cajun seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
- Add cheese and season:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine and finish:
- Add pasta, sausage, and shrimp back to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce and heat through for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Pin It Sharing this skillet dish on our last family gathering made everyone linger happily around the table, asking for seconds and sipping chilled wine.
Required Tools
Large skillet, pot for boiling pasta, knife, cutting board, tongs or spatula
Nutritional Information
Each serving has approximately 590 calories, 31 g total fat, 45 g carbohydrates, and 32 g protein.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crisp green salad and garlic bread. Pair with a lightly chilled Chardonnay for a complete meal.
Pin It Enjoy the zest and creaminess of this skillet pasta, a wonderful match of Cajun spice and comfort. Dig in while it's hot and creamy for the best experience.
Questions About This Recipe
- → What type of sausage works best?
Andouille sausage provides a smoky and spicy flavor, enhancing the dish’s Cajun profile. Substitute with smoked turkey sausage or chicken sausage if preferred.
- → Can I use a different pasta shape?
Penne or fettuccine both hold the creamy sauce well. Feel free to substitute with other short or ribbon pasta types.
- → How spicy is the dish?
The Cajun seasoning adds moderate heat, adjustable by adding more seasoning or a pinch of cayenne for extra spice.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Use gluten-free pasta and verify sausage ingredients to adapt the dish for gluten-free needs.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to maintain sauce creaminess.