Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo
My smoked sausage cajun alfredo is creamy, full of flavor, and ready in about 30 minutes. This smoky, cheesy pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner!
You may also love my baked ziti and spicy fettuccine alfredo recipes.
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How to Make Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo
This is a quick overview of how I make the pasta. The full recipe including ingredient amounts is further down the page.
Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and brown the smoked sausage until the edges are crispy and golden brown.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Cajun seasoning. Let it heat gently for a couple of minutes until wisps of steam appear. Make sure that it doesn’t come to a boil!
Then add in the Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until everything is well coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Top with extra Parmesan before serving.
Quick Tips
- Balance the heat. If your Cajun seasoning is strong, start small and add more to taste. It’s important to know the spice level of the seasoning you’re using before getting started.
Can I use half and half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the cajun alfredo won’t be as thick or rich. Let it cook a little longer to thicken up.
What pasta shape works best?
Fettuccine, penne, or rotini all work great for this spicy sausage alfredo pasta. They hold onto the sauce and sausage pieces perfectly.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild to medium heat depending on the brand of Cajun seasoning you use and what type of sausage you opt for. Swapping andouille sausage for smoked sausage will definitely add more heat.
Why did my sauce separate?
If the pan gets too hot, the cream and cheese can break. The same thing happens if the cream begins to bubble and boil. Keep the heat on medium and stir often for a smooth, creamy sauce.
Can I use jarred alfredo sauce?
Yes! If you’d rather skip making the cajun alfredo sauce from scratch, use one standard 15-ounce jar of alfredo sauce instead.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat slowly on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
I don’t recommend reheating it in the microwave because the sauce can separate.
More Pasta Recipes
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Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta noodles, any variety
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, or butter
- 14 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, or more to taste
- 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.8 ounces uncooked pasta noodles
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil or butter. Add the sliced sausage and cook until lightly browned, about 4–5 minutes.1 tablespoon olive oil14 ounces smoked sausage
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Cajun seasoning. Heat gently for 2–3 minutes until wisps of steam appear. Don’t let the liquid boil. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.2 cups heavy cream1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
- Taste and adjust the Cajun seasoning if needed. Serve warm.
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Suggested Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Meet Kimberly
Hi, I’m Kimberly Vargo! Comfort food is at the heart of everything I make like easy dinners and sides to desserts, cocktails, and condiments. A lot of my inspiration comes from old family recipes, personal favorites, and vintage cookbooks.
