Save A bold and creamy pasta dish featuring smoked sausage, tender penne, and a zesty Cajun-spiced Alfredo sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, ready in just 20 minutes.
This dish is a go-to for busy evenings when I want something flavorful but quick to prepare.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
- Sausage: 12 oz (340 g) smoked sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 1½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream, 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1½ tsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste), ½ tsp smoked paprika, ¼ tsp ground black pepper, ¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
- Vegetables & Garnish: 1 cup (120 g) baby spinach (optional), 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Sausage:
- While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 3 4 minutes. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic:
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Make Sauce:
- Stir in the heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken Sauce:
- Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thickened, about 2 3 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet, along with the drained penne. Toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce. If using, fold in the baby spinach until wilted.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan.
Save My family loves gathering around this plate of creamy Cajun Alfredo after a long day.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, colander, chefs knife, cutting board, wooden spoon or spatula
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (butter, cream, Parmesan cheese) and gluten (pasta). May contain soy or other allergens depending on sausage brand check labels if sensitive.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 670, total fat: 36 g, carbohydrates: 57 g, protein: 29 g
Save This creamy Cajun Alfredo is a perfect quick dinner that never disappoints.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use other pasta types?
Yes, fettuccine or rigatoni can be substituted to vary texture while still complementing the creamy sauce.
- → How to add extra heat?
Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or choose hot smoked sausage to enhance the spiciness.
- → Is it possible to lighten the sauce?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce richness while maintaining creaminess.
- → What’s the best way to cook the sausage?
Cook sliced smoked sausage in a hot skillet over medium-high heat until browned for maximum flavor.
- → Can I add vegetables?
Baby spinach can be folded into the sauce for added color and freshness without overpowering the dish.