Description
Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo is a creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender smoked sausage in a rich, spicy Cajun-seasoned Alfredo sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish combines fettuccine pasta with a buttery, garlicky sauce accented by parmesan cheese and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, making it a perfect weeknight meal with a bold twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine
Sausage
- 1 ring (13.5 ounces) smoked sausage, cut into ¼-inch pieces
Sauce
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter
- 2 cups (476 g) heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup (100 g) parmesan cheese, grated
Garnish
- Parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes or according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the smoked sausage pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Prepare Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in the Cajun seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
- Simmer Sauce: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 6-8 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Melt Parmesan: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated, creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sausage: Add the cooked fettuccine and sausage pieces back into the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta and sausage evenly with the Cajun Alfredo sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for freshness and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- This dish combines classic alfredo creaminess with a spicy Cajun twist for a rich flavor experience.
- For a milder version, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for best flavor and melting quality.
- Parsley garnish adds color and a fresh herbal note to balance richness.
- Ready in just about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 643 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 860 mg
- Fat: 48 g
- Saturated Fat: 28 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
