Description
Creamy Cajun Smoked Sausage Alfredo Pasta brings southern spice and Italian comfort together in one delightful dish. Spicy sausage, rich sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta create a memorable meal that satisfies intense cravings and delivers bold flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) spiral pasta (cavatappi or rotini)
Protein and Seasonings:
- 14 ounces (400 grams) smoked sausage, sliced (Andouille or kielbasa)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Cheese:
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil at high heat. Add spiral pasta, cooking for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender. Drain pasta and reserve a small amount of cooking water.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature. Add sliced smoked sausage, browning for 5-7 minutes until edges turn crispy and golden. Rotate pieces occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Introduce minced garlic to the sausage, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. The kitchen will fill with an appetizing aroma.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, allowing it to reach a gentle simmer. Stir consistently to prevent scorching and create a smooth base for the sauce.
- Sprinkle Cajun seasoning throughout the mixture, blending thoroughly. Gradually incorporate grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and sauce becomes silky.
- Transfer drained pasta into the skillet, gently tossing to coat every piece with the creamy sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency.
- Plate the pasta immediately, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, spicy Cajun Smoked Sausage Alfredo.
Notes
- Spice Level Adjustment: Dial up or down the Cajun seasoning to match your heat tolerance, ensuring everyone can enjoy this dish without overwhelming spiciness.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a lactose-free version that maintains creamy richness.
- Protein Flexibility: Replace smoked sausage with chicken, shrimp, or plant-based sausage to accommodate different dietary preferences without compromising flavor.
- Veggie Boost: Enhance nutritional value by adding sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini directly into the sauce for extra color and nutrients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg