Description
This Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Alfredo Pasta is a flavorful and creamy dish combining spicy Cajun-seasoned shrimp and smoky sausage with a rich Parmesan Alfredo sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies with bold, southern-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb fettuccine or your preferred pasta
Protein
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb smoked sausage or andouille sausage, sliced
Seasonings
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning (for sauce)
Alfredo Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions. Once cooked al dente, drain and set aside.
- Cook the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked or andouille sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and heated through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: In the same skillet, add the shrimp. Season them with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Alfredo sauce: Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add cream and simmer: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Incorporate Parmesan and season: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste to balance the flavors.
- Combine proteins and pasta: Return the cooked sausage and shrimp to the skillet with the sauce and stir to combine. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together so the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Heat through: Cook everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure all ingredients are hot and flavors meld.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top and serve immediately for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your preferred spice level.
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Use andouille sausage for a more authentic Cajun flavor.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid sauce separation.
