Description
This Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo is a creamy, indulgent pasta dish featuring tender fettuccine tossed in a rich Alfredo sauce with smoky sausage and a spicy Cajun kick. Ready in just 30 minutes, it combines classic comfort flavors with a bold twist, perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.
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 (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine: 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.
- Brown the smoked sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the smoked sausage pieces. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown. Remove the sausage from the skillet and tent with foil to keep warm.
- Make the 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 whipping cream, then stir in the Cajun seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer the sauce: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken and coat the back of a spoon.
- Incorporate cheese: Stir the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce until completely melted and smooth.
- Toss pasta and sausage: Add the cooked fettuccine and browned sausage back into the skillet. Toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta and sausage with the creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- This dish combines smoky sausage and a creamy Alfredo base with Cajun spices for a flavorful, slightly spicy twist.
- It can be prepared in approximately 30 minutes, making it ideal for a quick weeknight meal.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor in the sauce.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid sauce separation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 643 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 48 g
- Saturated Fat: 26 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
