Description
This Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Alfredo Pasta is a flavorful and creamy dish combining perfectly seasoned shrimp and smoky sausage in a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce tossed with tender fettuccine. Ready in just 30 minutes, this meal blends the bold spices of Cajun seasoning with the comforting creaminess of Parmesan, making it an irresistible dinner option for seafood and pasta lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb fettuccine or your preferred pasta
Protein and Seasoning
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb smoked sausage or andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Alfredo Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked or andouille sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and heated through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: Using the same skillet, add the shrimp. Season with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and are fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Alfredo sauce: Melt unsalted butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add cream and simmer: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth and creamy. Add remaining Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine proteins and pasta: Return the cooked sausage and shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the Alfredo sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Heat through: Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes over medium heat to warm all ingredients thoroughly and let the flavors meld.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference for mild to spicy heat.
- Use andouille sausage for a smoky, authentic Cajun flavor or substitute with any smoked sausage available.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Cook pasta slightly less than package instructions if you plan to toss it longer in the sauce to avoid overcooking.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds a nice color contrast and fresh herb flavor.
