Cajun Smoked Sausage Alfredo Pasta
I’ve made this Cajun smoked sausage Alfredo more times than I can count on quick weeknights. It’s a smoky, creamy pasta that comes together in under 30 minutes and hits the comforting-satisfying spot every time — great when you want bold flavor without fuss. If you like rich Alfredo and a little Cajun kick, this is the kind of skillet dinner that disappears fast.
Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe is a midweek hero: fast, budget-friendly, and big on flavor. Using smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa) gives the sauce a smoky, savory backbone so you don’t need a dozen ingredients to get complexity. The cream + fresh Parmesan makes a silky sauce that clings to spiral pasta (cavatappi or rotini), so every bite is saucy and satisfying.
- Fast: cooks in about 20–30 minutes from start to finish.
- Flexible: scale up for guests or swap proteins easily.
- Crowd-pleasing: kids and adults usually vote “yes” for creamy pasta and sausage.
- Low cleanup: everything finishes in one skillet once the pasta is ready.
“Comfort food with a spicy twist — perfect for nights when you want something rich but effortless.” — a note I often hear after serving this.
For a similar Cajun pasta idea with slightly different textures, check out this take on cajun sausage pasta.
How this recipe comes together
Quick overview so you know what to expect:
- Boil salted water and cook the pasta until al dente; reserve some pasta water.
- Brown sliced smoked sausage in a hot skillet to get caramelized edges.
- Add garlic, then pour in cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in grated Parmesan and Cajun seasoning until the sauce thickens.
- Toss the drained pasta into the pan, loosen with reserved pasta water if needed, and finish with parsley.
This sets the rhythm: pasta cooks while you brown the sausage, then everything finishes in one skillet for fast, layered flavor.
What you’ll need
Key ingredients and small notes to get the best result:
- 12 oz (340 g) spiral pasta — cavatappi or rotini recommended (they hold sauce well).
- 14 oz (400 g) smoked sausage, sliced — Andouille for heat/smoke or kielbasa for milder flavor.
- 2 tbsp olive oil — or a splash of neutral oil if you prefer.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced — fresh is best; garlic powder won’t give the same punch.
- 1 cup heavy cream — gives the sauce body; do not boil hard after adding.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese — freshly grated melts better than pre-grated.
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste) — use less if you prefer mild heat.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish).
Substitutions and notes:
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half plus a tablespoon of cornstarch to help thicken (results will be less rich).
- If your Parmesan is salty, reduce added salt.
- If using raw sausage (not pre-smoked/cooked), cook until internal temp reaches 160°F (71°C).
Step-by-step instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, scoop out and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and let it shimmer.
- Arrange the sliced smoked sausage in a single layer in the skillet. Let it brown without crowding for about 3–4 minutes per side until caramelized. Browning develops flavor — don’t rush it.
- Push the sausage to one side of the pan and add the minced garlic to the empty space. Sauté 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let the garlic burn.
- Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Avoid a rolling boil — high heat can cause cream to separate.
- Stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan, 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens, about 2–3 minutes. If the sauce gets too thick, loosen it with some reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat. Cook everything together 1–2 minutes so the pasta absorbs flavor. Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serve this pasta hot from the pan. A few pairing ideas:
- Light sides: crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed broccoli to cut the richness.
- Bread: warm garlic bread or crusty baguette to mop up the sauce.
- Beverage: a cold lager, crisp Sauvignon Blanc, or iced tea balances the cream and spice.
For another creamy Cajun pasta variation that pairs beautifully with a simple green side, see this creamy cajun chicken bowtie pasta skillet.
Plating tip: twist a portion of pasta onto the plate for a restaurant look, then top with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley.
Storage and reheating tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Keep the sauce and pasta together — it holds up well.
- Reheat stovetop: Rewarm gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water (1–2 tbsp) to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy. Stir frequently.
- Microwave: Cover loosely and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between intervals and adding a little liquid if needed.
- Freezing: You can freeze the pasta, but texture will suffer slightly. Freeze in a shallow container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk.
- Safety: Reheat to 165°F (74°C) before serving. Discard leftovers kept at room temperature over 2 hours.
Pro chef tips
- Use freshly grated Parmesan — it melts smoother and prevents grainy sauce.
- Don’t overboil the cream. Keep it at a gentle simmer to avoid separation.
- Reserve pasta water: it’s starchy and helps the sauce cling to pasta and reach the right consistency.
- Caramelize the sausage well — the browned bits are flavor gold. If the pan gets too dark, deglaze with a tablespoon of white wine or a splash of pasta water before adding cream.
- If your sauce is grainy, remove from heat and whisk in a knob of cold butter to smooth it.
- Customize the heat by adjusting Cajun seasoning; add cayenne for more fire.
Creative twists
- Shrimp swap: Replace smoked sausage with peeled shrimp; cook shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until opaque. Finish exactly the same way.
- Veg-forward: Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or spinach with the garlic for extra color and nutrition.
- Cream cheese version: Stir in 2 oz cream cheese with the cream for ultra-silky mouthfeel (see similar inspiration in the cream cheese chicken pasta bake).
- Lighter option: Use half-and-half and a cornstarch slurry; the result will be lighter but still creamy.
- Gluten-free: Use GF pasta and check sausage label for gluten-containing fillers.
- Vegetarian: Replace sausage with smoked tofu or grilled mushrooms and boost smoky flavor with a dash of smoked paprika.
Your questions answered
Q: How long does this take from start to finish?
A: About 20–30 minutes. Pasta and sausage cook in parallel, so it’s very quick.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: You can make the sauce and sausage ahead, refrigerate separately, then reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta. However, freshly cooked pasta absorbs sauce best, so avoid combining far ahead.
Q: My sauce turned grainy after adding cheese — what went wrong?
A: Overheating the sauce or using pre-grated Parmesan (with anti-caking agents) can cause graininess. Remove from heat and whisk in a small piece of cold butter or a splash of cream to smooth it.
Q: Is smoked sausage already cooked?
A: Most smoked sausages like Andouille and kielbasa are pre-cooked. You still brown them in the pan for flavor. If you use raw sausage, cook fully until it reaches 160°F (71°C).
Q: How spicy will this be?
A: With 2 tsp Cajun seasoning it has a mild-to-medium kick. Adjust up or down to match your taste, or omit and add black pepper and paprika for milder smoke without the heat.
Conclusion
If you want a fast, smoky, and creamy pasta that’s weeknight-friendly and endlessly adaptable, this Cajun smoked sausage Alfredo delivers. For inspiration and similar recipes you can compare techniques with this version at Plain Chicken: Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo – Plain Chicken, or try another home-cook take here: Easy + Delicious Dinner Recipe: Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo.
Cajun Smoked Sausage Alfredo
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz 12 oz spiral pasta (cavatappi or rotini) They hold sauce well.
Sausage
- 14 oz 14 oz smoked sausage, sliced (Andouille or kielbasa) Andouille for heat/smoke or kielbasa for milder flavor.
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp olive oil Or a splash of neutral oil if preferred.
- 3 cloves 3 garlic cloves, minced Fresh is best; garlic powder won’t give the same punch.
- 1 cup 1 cup heavy cream Gives the sauce body; do not boil hard after adding.
- 1 cup 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated melts better than pre-grated.
- 2 tsp 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste) Use less if you prefer mild heat.
- to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it shimmer.
- Arrange the sliced smoked sausage in a single layer in the skillet and let it brown for about 3–4 minutes per side until caramelized.
- Push the sausage to one side and add minced garlic to the empty space. Sauté until fragrant, about 30–45 seconds.
- Pour in the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Stir in grated Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Cook together for 1–2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
