Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo – A One-Pot Southern Comfort Classic
Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with this Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo—a bold, creamy, one-skillet pasta dish that’s as comforting as it is crave-worthy. Smoky sausage, aromatic Cajun spices, and rich Parmesan Alfredo sauce all come together for the ultimate Southern-inspired pasta recipe.
This dish is a weeknight lifesaver, ready in under 40 minutes and full of flavor that tastes like it simmered all day. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe is a guaranteed hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One skillet = minimal cleanup
- Packed with bold, smoky Cajun flavor
- Ultra-creamy Alfredo sauce with a spicy twist
- Customizable with veggies, proteins, or heat level
Ingredients
For the Cajun Alfredo Pasta:
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced (andouille or kielbasa works well)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Sauté the Sausage & Aromatics
In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned (about 4–5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant (about 2 minutes). Stir in Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.
2. Add the Liquids & Pasta
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the uncooked pasta and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
3. Creamy Finish
Stir in Parmesan cheese and return the sausage to the pan. Mix until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, if using, until just wilted.
4. Serve & Garnish
Serve hot, topped with fresh parsley, more Parmesan, and a sprinkle of extra Cajun seasoning if desired.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Control the spice: Start with less Cajun seasoning and build up.
- Make it extra creamy: Add a tablespoon of cream cheese or extra Parmesan.
- Protein swap: Use grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu.
- Make it lighter: Substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk for cream.
Variations & Customizations
Vegetarian Version:
Skip the sausage and use smoked paprika for flavor. Add roasted mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach for a hearty meatless version.
Low-Carb Option:
Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or cooked spaghetti squash and reduce the broth to 1 cup.
Add More Veggies:
Throw in chopped broccoli, bell peppers, or peas in the last few minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
Storage & Reheating
- Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Add a splash of cream or broth before reheating to loosen the sauce.
- Not freezer-friendly: Cream sauces tend to separate when frozen.
Printable Recipe Card
Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo
Creamy, smoky, spicy, and satisfying – this one-skillet pasta is Southern comfort food at its best!
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 25 min
Total Time: 35 min
Serves: 4
Ingredients
✔️ 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
✔️ 2 tbsp olive oil
✔️ 3 cloves garlic, minced
✔️ 1 onion, finely chopped
✔️ 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
✔️ 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
✔️ 2 cups chicken broth
✔️ 1 cup heavy cream
✔️ 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
✔️ 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
✔️ Salt & pepper to taste
✔️ Optional: spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, parsley
Instructions
- Sauté sausage until browned. Set aside.
- Sauté onion & garlic; stir in Cajun seasoning.
- Add broth, cream, and pasta. Simmer covered for 12–15 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan and sausage. Mix until creamy.
- Garnish and serve hot.
Final Thoughts
This Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo is comfort food that feels indulgent without being fussy. It’s versatile, filling, and bursting with flavor—the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this dish has your back.