Cajun Spiced Smoked Sausage Alfredo (Printer View)

Spiced smoked sausage and tender pasta combined in a creamy, Cajun-inspired sauce for an easy one-pot meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Sausage & Vegetables

01 - 14 oz smoked sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Pasta & Liquids

05 - 12 oz penne pasta (or other short pasta)
06 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
07 - 1 cup heavy cream

→ Cheeses

08 - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

→ Seasonings

09 - 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

→ Garnish

13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
14 - Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving

# Method Steps:

01 - Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the smoked sausage slices and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.
02 - Add diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for 3 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add uncooked pasta, chicken broth, heavy cream, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika. Stir well to submerge pasta mostly under liquid.
05 - Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
06 - Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan until sauce is creamy and smooth.
07 - Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed.
08 - Sprinkle chopped parsley and additional Parmesan over the dish before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick and easy weeknight meal
  • Satisfyingly creamy and bold Cajun flavors
02 -
  • This recipe contains milk and wheat (from cream, Parmesan cheese, and pasta).
  • Check sausage and broth labels if you require gluten-free or soy-free options.
03 -
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best creamy texture.
  • Stir the pasta occasionally as it simmers to prevent sticking.
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