Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo is a rich and creamy fettuccine dish with a bold Cajun kick. This recipe combines tender pasta with smoky sausage, Cajun seasoning, and crushed red pepper, creating a deliciously spicy variation of classic Alfredo. The smoky sausage pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce, and the entire dish comes together in about 30 minutes—perfect for a quick and satisfying meal! If you love the bold flavor of Cajun spices, be sure to try our Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Pasta: Fettuccine is a great choice for holding onto the rich Alfredo sauce, but you can use any pasta you have on hand. For a fun twist, try homemade pasta!
- Smoked Sausage: Andouille sausage works beautifully here, but you can swap it for turkey sausage, chorizo, or kielbasa. Since it’s already cooked, it only needs a quick heat-through.
- Heavy Cream: This creates a luscious Alfredo base. For a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk.
- Cajun Seasoning: Adds bold, spicy flavor. Homemade Cajun seasoning will give you the best taste! Adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
- Crushed Red Pepper: Enhances the heat. If Cajun seasoning alone is spicy enough for you, feel free to leave this out—or add extra for more kick!
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts best and gives the sauce a rich, cheesy flavor. Don’t forget extra for topping!
Adding Vegetables
We sometimes like to add veggies to the Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo for extra texture and flavor! Try sautéed bell peppers for color, spinach for earthiness, broccoli for crunch, zucchini for a tender bite, or mushrooms for a savory kick. Feel free to get creative with your favorite veggies—just be sure to adjust cooking times so everything is perfectly cooked before mixing them into the dish.
Storing & Reheating Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo
To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, use the stovetop over low heat or the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can You Freeze Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo?
Yes! This dish can be frozen, though the texture may change slightly when reheated. To freeze:
- Let it cool completely.
- Store in a freezer-safe container for 2-3 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
While the sauce might thicken after freezing, a little extra cream or milk will bring it back to life. Enjoy!
Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fettuccine
- 1 ring (13.5 ounces) smoked sausage, cut into ¼-inch pieces
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente, 8-10 minutes, or according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- To a large skillet over medium heat, add the smoked sausage pieces. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown. Remove the sausage from the skillet and tent with foil to keep warm.
- Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream. Then, add the Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low. Simmer the sauce for 6-8 minutes, or until it begins to thicken.
- Add parmesan cheese, stirring until melted.
- Add the cooked fettuccine and sausage to the skillet, tossing to coat them evenly in the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve.
This recipe is adapted from Iamhomesteader’s Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo.
More Easy meals
Asiago Chicken Pasta
Asiago Chicken Pasta boasts tender and seasoned chicken breasts on a bed of rich and flavorful asiago pasta
Spicy Steak Chili
Ignite your taste buds with this flavorful Spicy Steak Chili, packed with tender beef and a bold kick!
Creamy Mushroom Pork Chops
Indulge in savory Creamy Mushroom Pork Chops—perfectly seasoned, seared, and smothered in rich, velvety mushroom sauce. A gourmet delight awaits!