Save A creamy, spicy pasta dish featuring smoked sausage, tender penne, and a bold Cajun Alfredo sauce perfect for busy weeknights.
This dish is my go-to for busy weeknights when I want something hearty yet fast to prepare.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) penne pasta
- Meats: 300 g (10 oz) smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- Vegetables: 1 small yellow onion, finely diced, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 red bell pepper, diced, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Dairy: 240 ml (1 cup) heavy cream, 60 g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, 30 g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter
- Spices & Seasonings: 1 1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning (to taste), 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2:
- While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the smoked sausage and sauté for 3 4 minutes until browned. Remove sausage and set aside.
- Step 3:
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add onion and bell pepper; sauté for 2 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4:
- Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir to coat the vegetables.
- Step 5:
- Pour in heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for 2 minutes.
- Step 6:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth.
- Step 7:
- Return sausage to the skillet. Add cooked penne and toss everything together until coated and heated through. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Save This recipe always brings my family to the table fast and satisfied after a long day.
Required Tools
Large pot, Large skillet, Knife and cutting board, Colander, Wooden spoon or spatula
Allergen Information
Contains Dairy (cream, butter, Parmesan), Wheat (pasta). May contain Sulfites (in some smoked sausages). Always check sausage packaging and Parmesan for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 585, Total Fat: 34 g, Carbohydrates: 46 g, Protein: 24 g
Save This Cajun Alfredo is perfect for quick, flavorful dinners that impress every time.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make the Cajun Alfredo sauce creamy?
Use heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, melting them together gently to create a smooth, rich sauce.
- → Can I adjust the spice level of this dish?
Yes, add more or less Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper to customize the heat to your taste.
- → What pasta types work best with this sauce?
Penne is ideal as it holds the sauce well, but fettuccine or rotini can also complement the creamy Cajun sauce.
- → How do I ensure the smoked sausage stays flavorful after cooking?
Sauté slices until browned to enhance smokiness before adding them back into the sauce for full flavor infusion.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, ingredients like spinach or mushrooms can be added to increase nutrition and texture without overpowering the sauce.