Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Creamy pasta dishes burst with flavor when you add a spicy cajun shrimp and sausage alfredo that delights every taste bud.

Southern cooking meets Italian comfort in this mouthwatering combination.

Andouille sausage brings smoky heat to the classic alfredo sauce.

Plump shrimp nestle perfectly among ribbons of pasta, creating a symphony of textures.

Each bite promises a rich, creamy experience with a powerful kick of cajun seasoning.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that feels like a restaurant-quality dinner.

Dive into this decadent pasta and let your palate dance with excitement.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 610 kcal

Servings: 3

Everything In Cajun Shrimp And Sausage Alfredo Pasta

• Pasta: Provides the hearty foundation for this zesty dish, choose a pasta shape that cradles sauce well like penne or fettuccine.

• Shrimp, Sausage: Fresh, plump shrimp add oceanic sweetness while spicy sausage brings robust, smoky depth; select wild-caught shrimp and andouille sausage for authentic Cajun flavor.

• Butter, Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: Butter creates silky richness, cream adds luxurious texture, broth enhances complex flavor profile; use unsalted butter for better seasoning control.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers nutty, sharp undertones and helps thicken the sauce; choose freshly grated for superior melting quality.

• Cajun Seasoning, Garlic, Salt, Black Pepper: Cajun blend provides fiery kick, garlic offers aromatic intensity, salt and pepper balance overall taste; opt for high-quality spice blend with paprika, cayenne, and herbs.
• Fresh Parsley, Red Pepper Flakes: Parsley adds bright freshness, red pepper flakes contribute extra heat and visual appeal; select vibrant green parsley with crisp leaves.

Tools For Cajun Shrimp And Sausage Alfredo Pasta

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta perfectly and ensuring even cooking.
• Large Skillet: Key for sautéing shrimp, sausage, and creating the creamy Alfredo sauce.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking.
• Cutting Board: For slicing sausage and chopping herbs.
• Chef's Knife: To slice sausage and chop parsley with precision.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients in the skillet.
• Measuring Spoons: To accurately measure Cajun seasoning and other spices.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending the Alfredo sauce smoothly and preventing lumps.

How To Prepare Cajun Shrimp And Sausage Alfredo Pasta

• Pasta Preparation

Boil water in a large pot, generously salted. Cook pasta until tender and slightly firm. Drain and set aside, ready for the next stage of culinary magic.

• Seafood and Sausage Sizzle

Heat a skillet over medium-high flames. Toss shrimp with zesty Cajun spices. Sear shrimp in butter until they turn a beautiful coral pink. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, brown sausage slices until they develop a rich, caramelized exterior.

• Creamy Sauce Creation

Reduce heat and melt butter, allowing garlic to dance and release its aromatic oils. Pour in cream and broth, creating a silky base. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and luxurious. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning for an extra kick of flavor.

• Final Symphony

Gently fold pasta into the velvety sauce, ensuring each strand is generously coated. Reintroduce shrimp and sausage, mixing them into the creamy ensemble. Let everything warm through, blending flavors harmoniously.

• Elegant Presentation

Shower the dish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately, allowing the vibrant colors and enticing aromas to captivate your dining companions.

Helpful Tips For Cajun Shrimp And Sausage Alfredo Pasta

• Spice Master's Secrets: Learn how to elevate your Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Alfredo Pasta with these pro tips and delicious variations!
• Heat Control Magic: Always cook shrimp on medium-high heat to prevent overcooking – they turn rubbery when stressed! Remove them the instant they turn pink to lock in that succulent, tender texture.
• Seasoning Depth Trick: Layer your Cajun seasoning throughout cooking. Start by seasoning shrimp, then add a touch to the sauce for complex, building flavor that will make taste buds dance with excitement.
• Protein Swap Workshop: Feeling adventurous? Replace shrimp with chicken or andouille sausage for different protein options. Vegetarians can substitute with grilled portobello mushrooms or plant-based sausage for an equally delicious experience.
• Creamy Sauce Rescue: If your Alfredo sauce breaks or looks grainy, whisk in a tablespoon of cold water or reduce heat and stir continuously. The key is gentle, consistent movement to maintain that silky, luxurious texture that coats every pasta strand perfectly.

How To Serve Cajun Shrimp And Sausage Alfredo Pasta

• Cozy Weeknight Dinner Delight: Pair this spicy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Alfredo with a crisp side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta.
• Hearty Gathering Feast: Serve family-style in a large serving dish with warm garlic bread on the side, allowing guests to help themselves and enjoy the robust flavors together.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the dish's bold Cajun spices with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to cut through the creamy sauce and enhance the seafood notes.
• Southern Comfort Presentation: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley on top, and add a small dish of additional Cajun seasoning for those who love an extra kick of heat.

Store Cajun Shrimp And Sausage Alfredo Pasta The Easy Way

• Meal Stashing Strategies: Shrimp and Sausage Alfredo
• Quick Refrigeration Tactics: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated meals stay fresh for 34 days, maintaining best flavor and texture.
• Freezing Forward Plan: Separate sauce and pasta before freezing to prevent soggy textures. Freeze in sealed containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Smart Reheating Approach: Warm gently in skillet with splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency. Microwave works in pinches, stirring halfway through heating to distribute warmth evenly. Avoid overheating to prevent sauce separation.
• Ingredient Freshness Hack: Keep shrimp and sausage separately sealed in refrigerator. Cook within 12 days of purchase for optimal taste and food safety. Check seafood for any unusual odors before preparing.

Spicy Cajun Shrimp And Sausage Alfredo Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Alfredo Pasta delivers bold Louisiana flavors in a comforting Italian-inspired dish. Spicy andouille sausage and succulent shrimp combine with rich parmesan sauce over perfectly cooked pasta for a memorable meal.

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Ingredients

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• 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or penne pasta
• 0.5 lb (226 g) smoked sausage, sliced (e.g., andouille or kielbasa)
• 0.5 lb (226 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.75 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 2 tsps Cajun seasoning
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, preserving the perfectly cooked noodles.
2. Seafood and Sausage Searing: Generously coat shrimp with Cajun seasoning. In a hot skillet, melt butter and sauté shrimp until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, caramelize sausage slices to a golden-brown perfection, then transfer with the shrimp.
3. Sauce Crafting: Lower skillet temperature and add remaining butter. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, creating a rich liquid foundation. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth, then season with additional Cajun spices, salt, and black pepper. Allow sauce to simmer and thicken.
4. Final Assembly: Fold pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Gently incorporate seared shrimp and sausage, blending flavors and heating thoroughly. Garnish with fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes for an extra flavor kick.
5. Serving: Plate immediately, presenting a vibrant, aromatic Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Alfredo Pasta that promises a culinary adventure.

Notes

• Optimize Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness, ensuring a perfect bite that holds up in the creamy sauce.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust Cajun seasoning quantity based on personal heat preference, starting with less and gradually adding more for balanced flavor.
• Prevent Seafood Overcooking: Remove shrimp from heat the moment they turn pink and opaque to maintain tenderness and avoid rubbery texture.
• Sauce Consistency Hack: If sauce becomes too thick, slowly add small amounts of pasta water to achieve desired creamy consistency without losing flavor intensity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 150mg