Your taste buds will go wild with this spicy Cajun sаusаge mixed in rich Alfredo sauсe . Imagine sаusаge frying in a pan , then you pour creamy cheese sauсe on top and toss it with perfect pаstа . This recipe turns a boring dinner into a fun meal night .
We call it Cajun Smoked Sаusаge Alfredo Pаsta . It brings hot Cajun flavor together with smooth Alfredo sauсe . This dish is not only tasty but also quick to make . You can do it for family dinner or when friends come over .
What makes it cool is you need just a few ingredients and simple steps . Even if you are new at cooking , you can nail it . Want more spice ? Add extra seasoning . Like veggies ? Throw in bell peppers or onions . Make it how you like .
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Cajun Smoked Sаusаge Alfredo Pаsta :
- Cajun smoked sausage: 12 oz , sliced
- Pasta: 8 oz fettuccine or penne
- Heavy cream: 1 cup
- Parmesan cheese: 1 cup , grated
- Garlic: 3 cloves , minced
- Cajun seasoning: 1–2 tablespoons (adjust to taste)
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Optional: garnish with bell peppers , onions , and green onions
If you want swaps or subs , try these :
- Sausage: chicken sausage or plant-based option works too
- Pasta: whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be used
- Cream: half-and-half or dairy-free cream is ok for lighter version
- Parmesan: nutritional yeast makes a vegan twist
Directions
Follow these steps to pull it all together :
- Boil pasta: fill a big pot with salted water and bring to boil . Cook pasta till al dente , then drain and set it aside
- Brown sausage: heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat . Add sliced Cajun sausage and cook till browned , about 4–5 minutes , stirring now and then
- Make sauce: turn heat to low and toss in garlic . Sauté about 1 minute till it smells good . Pour in heavy crеаm and let it simmer gently . Stir in Parmesan and Cajun seasoning till cheese melts and sauce is smooth
- Mix pasta and sauce: add the cooked pasta into skillet . Toss well so every piece is coated in creamy sauce and sausage . Let it cook 2–3 more minutes so flavors blend
- Serve: take off heat and sprinkle on peppers , onions or green onions if you want . Plate it up and enjoy hot
Pro tips :
- Don’t overcook pasta ; it should hold some bite and soak up sauce
- Adjust Cajun spice level so it’s not too hot or too mild
- Add extra crеаm or cheese if you like it super rich
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at what’s in one serving of this pasta :
- Calories: about 600–700
- Protein: 25–30 g
- Fat: 40–45 g
You get a good amount of protein and fat from the sausage and cream . If you watch calories , pair with a salad or swap lighter cream .
Serving Suggestions
To make it extra nice , try these ideas :
- Wine: a cold Sauvignon Blanc or light Cabernet works
- Salad: a simple garden salad with vinaigrette balances creaminess
- Sides: garlic bread or steamed veggies add texture
For a pretty plate , twirl pasta into a nest in a large bowl and top with fresh parsley or basil .
Variations
Feel free to change things up :
- Extra heat: stir in more Cajun spices or hot sauce
- Veggie version: swap sausage for roasted zucchini , mushrooms or plant protein
- Other noodles: use rigatoni , spiralized zucchini or your fave pasta shape
Equipment
You don’t need fancy tools . Just have :
- a big pot for pasta
- a large skillet for sausage and sauce
- a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
Storage & Reheat
- Store: keep leftovers in an airtight container in fridge up to 3 days , or freeze portions for up to 2 months
- Reheat: warm on stove over low heat with a splash of milk or cream , or microwave in short bursts stirring each time
FAQs
1. What is Cajun sausage?
It’s a smoked sausage seasoned with spices from Louisiana cooking .
2. Can I use chicken instead?
Yes , chicken sausage works for a lighter twist . Cook it through before adding sauce .
3. Is it very spicy?
You control the heat by how much Cajun seasoning you use .
4. Best pasta for Alfredo?
Fettuccine is classic , but penne , rigatoni or gluten-free types are fine too .
5. How to make it healthier?
Use whole wheat pasta , lighter cream or add extra veggies .
Conclusion
Cajun Smoked Sаusаge Alfredo Pаsta is a great way to spice up weeknight dinners . It’s creamy , a bit spicy , and super easy . Give it a try , play with the ingredients , and share what you made !
Cajun Smoked Sausage Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Colander
- 1 Mixing spoon
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Whisk
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz Cajun smoked sausage, sliced Can substitute with any spicy sausage.
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning Adjust to taste.
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- for garnish chopped parsley Optional.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced Cajun smoked sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and heated through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Whisk continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cooked fettuccine and the browned smoked sausage to the skillet. Toss gently to combine until all ingredients are coated with the Alfredo sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
