Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Creamy cajun shrimp and sausage alfredo pasta brings a spicy Southern charm to your dinner table.

Zesty flavors dance across each perfectly coated noodle, promising an unforgettable meal.

Peppers and bold spices create a symphony of taste that makes mouths water instantly.

Rich cream mingles with smoky sausage, delivering unexpected bursts of excitement in every bite.

Comfort meets adventure through this simple yet spectacular dish that feels like a culinary hug.

Coastal ingredients merge with hearty Italian traditions, crafting something truly magical on your plate.

You won’t believe how quickly this recipe becomes a household favorite.

Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta That Packs a Spicy Punch

• Savor Speed: This recipe whips up in just 20-25 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners when time is tight.
• Flavor Explosion: Bold Cajun seasoning transforms classic Alfredo into a zesty, mouthwatering dish that kicks traditional pasta recipes up a notch.
• Crowd-Pleasing Simplicity: One-skillet cooking means minimal cleanup, making this meal a winner for busy families and amateur home chefs who want maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Versatile Protein Power: Easy to customize by swapping shrimp or sausage, allowing flexibility for different dietary preferences and pantry ingredients.

Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Alfredo Pasta What You’ll Use

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood protein that brings ocean flavor and pairs perfectly with Cajun spices.
• Sausage: Hearty meat adding rich, smoky depth to the pasta dish.

• Pasta: Classic base that absorbs sauce and creates satisfying meal texture.

• Heavy Cream: Creamy base that creates smooth, luxurious Alfredo sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps develop sauce's silky consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that enhances sauce's flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Helps cook proteins and prevents sticking in skillet.

• Cajun Seasoning: Signature spice blend that delivers bold, zesty Louisiana-style flavor.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides deep, savory undertone.
• Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and beautiful reddish color to sauce.
• Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall dish taste.
• Black Pepper: Provides gentle heat and complexity to seasoning.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds fresh color and mild herbal note.

Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Grab a large pot and fill it with water.

Add a generous pinch of salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Drop in the pasta and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside, letting it rest while you work on the other delicious components.

Step 2: Sizzle Shrimp

Prepare your shrimp by coating them generously with Cajun seasoning.

Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet until it’s shimmering and hot.

Toss the seasoned shrimp into the pan, letting them dance and sear until they turn a beautiful pink and get those gorgeous golden edges.

Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Brown Sausage

Using the same skillet, slide in the sliced sausage.

Let them sizzle and caramelize, creating those irresistible crispy brown edges.

Once they’re perfectly cooked, remove them and set aside with the shrimp.

Step 4: Create Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Lower the heat and add butter to the skillet.

Toss in minced garlic and let it become fragrant.

• Parmesan cheese
• Remaining Cajun seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Simmer the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes luxuriously smooth.

Step 5: Marry the Ingredients

Reunite all the stars of this dish.

Add the cooked pasta, seared shrimp, and browned sausage into the creamy sauce.

Gently toss everything together, ensuring each piece gets a loving coating of the rich sauce.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top.

Serve immediately while the pasta is steaming and the sauce is at its creamy best.

Watch as everyone’s eyes light up with the first delicious bite!

Pasta Tips for Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Goodness

• Adjust Cajun seasoning levels to match your spice tolerance, creating a personalized flavor profile that suits your palate.
• Watch shrimp carefully while cooking, removing them immediately when they turn pink and curl to prevent rubbery texture and maintain tender, juicy meat.
• Select fresh, large shrimp and high-quality smoked sausage for maximum flavor depth and authentic Cajun-style results.
• Simmer Alfredo sauce gently and stir continuously to prevent separation, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture that coats pasta evenly.
• Prepare components ahead of time by cooking shrimp and sausage in advance, then quickly assemble the dish when ready to serve for a speedy weeknight dinner.

Reheat Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Alfredo Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days for best quality and food safety.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or water to restore sauce's creamy texture. Stir gently to prevent sticking and distribute heat evenly.
• Not recommended due to cream-based sauce, which can separate and lose its smooth consistency when thawed.

What Complements Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the creamy sauce, balancing the spicy Cajun flavors with its bright, refreshing notes.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Toss mixed greens with a zesty lemon vinaigrette to provide a light, tangy contrast to the rich and creamy pasta dish.
• Complement with Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious Alfredo sauce, adding a crunchy texture and complementary garlic undertones.
• Enhance with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare a quick side of roasted bell peppers and zucchini to add color, nutrition, and a slightly charred flavor that echoes the Cajun spices.

Shrimp Alfredo Pasta with Cajun Touches

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace shrimp and sausage with grilled portobello mushrooms and plant-based sausage for a meat-free version. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan cheese flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Maintain the creamy Cajun sauce and protein for a lighter meal that still packs bold flavors.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables. Verify Cajun seasoning is gluten-free and replace traditional sausage with certified gluten-free sausage links.
• Seafood Lovers' Remix: Substitute shrimp with a mix of scallops and crab meat. Add extra seafood seasoning to enhance the ocean-inspired flavor profile.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning?

Cajun seasoning is a spicy blend of herbs and spices typically including paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, oregano, and cayenne pepper. It adds bold, zesty flavor to dishes and originates from Louisiana cuisine.

• Can I make this dish less spicy?

Reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild version. You can also substitute with a smaller quantity of paprika and garlic powder to maintain flavor without intense heat.

• What type of pasta works best?

Fettuccine or penne are ideal for this recipe. These pasta shapes hold the creamy Alfredo sauce well and provide a great texture with shrimp and sausage.

• Is this dish good for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare components ahead of time. Cook pasta and proteins separately, store in refrigerator, and combine with sauce when ready to eat. Reheat gently to maintain sauce consistency.

Cajun Shrimp And Sausage Alfredo Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cajun shrimp and sausage alfredo pasta brings bold Southern flavors dancing across creamy linguine noodles. Spicy andouille sausage and succulent Gulf shrimp create a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (453 grams) large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 8 ounces (226 grams) smoked sausage (sliced)

Pasta and Spices:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) fettuccine or penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Sauce and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of generously salted water and cook the pasta until it reaches an al dente texture, ensuring a slight firmness when bitten. Carefully drain and reserve.
2. Liberally coat the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, creating a vibrant and spicy exterior. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, then swiftly sear the shrimp until they transform into a beautiful pink color with slight caramelization, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Utilize the same skillet to render the sausage slices, allowing them to develop a rich golden-brown crust and release their savory oils.
4. Reduce the skillet’s heat and introduce minced garlic and butter, creating an aromatic base. Pour in heavy cream, integrating Parmesan cheese, remaining Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to gently simmer and thicken, creating a luxurious sauce with robust flavor profiles.
5. Harmoniously combine the perfectly cooked pasta, seared shrimp, and caramelized sausage into the creamy sauce, ensuring each ingredient is evenly coated and intermingled.
6. Elegantly garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley, providing a bright, herbaceous finish. Serve immediately while the pasta remains steaming and the sauce maintains its velvety consistency.

Notes

• Swap protein options easily by using chicken, tofu, or plant-based sausage for dietary preferences.
• Control spice levels by adjusting Cajun seasoning quantity to suit individual heat tolerance.
• Use gluten-free pasta to transform the dish into a celiac-friendly meal without compromising flavor.
• Reduce sauce calories by substituting half-and-half or milk for heavy cream while maintaining creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 690
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg