This creamy Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo is a delightful mix of smoky sausage and rich sauce, with just the right kick of Cajun spices! It’s tasty, filling, and oh-so-easy to make.
If you’re like me, you’ll be spooning this pasta straight from the pot! 🥄 Perfect for those busy nights when comfort food is a must—everyone will love it!
I love how quickly this dish comes together. Just cook the sausage, mix in the sauce, and serve over pasta! It’s a warm hug on a plate that your family will ask for again and again.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Spiral pasta like cavatappi or rotini works best as it holds the sauce well. However, you can use penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as needed!
Smoked Sausage: Andouille sausage gives this dish a nice kick, but kielbasa is also fantastic. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey sausage or chicken sausage will work too. You can even make it vegetarian by using smoked tofu!
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps cook the sausage. You can substitute it with avocado oil for a similar taste. Butter is another good option if you want richness.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter sauce, try half-and-half or whole milk. Be aware that using milk may need a bit of cornstarch to help thicken the sauce. Coconut cream is a great dairy-free alternative that adds a slight sweetness!
Cajun Seasoning: If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, make a homemade mix using equal parts paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Adjust the heat to your liking!
How Can I Make Sure My Sauce is Smooth and Creamy?
Creating a smooth and creamy sauce is key to this dish. Start by gently heating the heavy cream and adding cheese slowly while stirring continuously. This helps prevent clumping. Here’s how:
- Heat cream over medium heat until it just starts to simmer. Don’t let it boil.
- Gradually add in the grated Parmesan, stirring constantly until it melts and combines smoothly.
- If your sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water. This helps loosen it without losing flavor!
- Always taste and adjust seasoning to make sure it has the right punch!
How to Make Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) spiral pasta (e.g. cavatappi or rotini)
For the Sauce:
- 14 oz (400 g) smoked sausage, sliced (e.g. Andouille or kielbasa)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and preparing the sauce, and then it’s just a quick toss to combine everything. A delicious meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add the spiral pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Brown the Sausage:
In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced smoked sausage to the skillet. Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and heated through. It should look nice and golden!
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté it for 1-2 minutes until you can smell that lovely garlic aroma. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Create the Alfredo Sauce:
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. We want to make sure everything is well combined and heated through. It should look creamy and inviting!
5. Add Seasonings and Cheese:
Now, sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and mix it well. Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste it, and feel free to season with salt and pepper as you like!
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta is completely coated in the delicious sauce. If it seems too thick, just add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo is ready! Serve it immediately on plates or in bowls, garnished with chopped parsley for a nice pop of color. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While cavatappi and rotini work great for this dish, you can substitute any pasta you have on hand, such as penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose.
What If I Can’t Find Smoked Sausage?
No problem! You can substitute smoked sausage with any cooked sausage you prefer, like Italian or Polish sausage. Alternatively, for a lighter option, use grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein and flavor.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time! Simply cook everything except the pasta, let it cool, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the sauce in a skillet, cook the pasta, and combine. It’s a great way to save time on busy nights!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
