Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo is a creamy fettuccine alfredo dish tossed with smoked sausage and seasoned with Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper. It is a flavorful twist on the classic pasta dish, and I love the added spice and smoked sausage! It all works well together, and it can be ready in about 30 minutes. (I love that, too!) If you enjoy the smoky flavor of smoked sausage in this dish, you might also love my Cajun Chicken and Sausage Alfredo. This variation combines tender chicken with the same spicy Cajun seasoning and creamy Alfredo sauce for an even heartier meal.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Pasta: Fettuccine and alfredo sauce go hand in hand. The wide and flat pasta is perfect for holding onto all of that creamy sauce! Of course, you could certainly use the pasta you have on hand. Or, have a little fun and make homemade shaped pasta!
- Smoked Sausage: Look for one ring (13.5 ounces) of smoked sausage. Smoked sausage, like andouille, is already cooked, so it only needs a few minutes to heat through. You could also use turkey sausage, chorizo, or kielbasa, all of which would be delicious!
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream and unsalted butter are the base of the alfredo sauce. For a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy whipping cream.
- Cajun Seasoning: To elevate the flavor of a more traditional Alfredo sauce, I added Cajun seasoning. For the most flavor, make homemade seasoning! Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste level.
- Crushed Red Pepper: For even more of a kick, I added crushed red pepper (red pepper flakes) to the sauce. If the Cajun seasoning is enough heat for you, just leave out the crushed red pepper. Or, be bold and add more!
- Parmesan Cheese: Grating your own parmesan cheese will give you the best results in this recipe. And, don’t forget to grate a little extra for the topping!
Can I Add Vegetables To Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo?
Yes, you can definitely add vegetables to this dish. Here are some great options:
- Sautéed or roasted bell peppers (I like the added color.)
- Fresh or sautéed spinach
- Lightly steamed or sautéed broccoli florets
- Sliced or diced zucchini
- Sautéed mushrooms
Feel free to get creative and mix in your favorite vegetables! Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed to ensure everything is cooked to your liking.
Storing & Reheating Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo
To store smoked sausage cajun alfredo, first, let it cool to room temperature. Next, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last up to 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. You might want to add a little cream or milk when reheating to loosen the sauce.
Can I Freeze Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo?
Yes, you can freeze this cajun alfredo dish, but the texture may change a bit when reheated. (It will still be delicious, though!) To freeze it, first, let it cool to room temperature. Next, keep it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fettuccine
- 1 ring (13.5 ounces) smoked sausage, cut into ¼-inch pieces
- 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
- 1 cup (100 g) 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.
- 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, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. 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 it’s melted.
- Add the cooked fettuccine and sausage to the skillet, tossing to coat them evenly in the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve.
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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
I loved how easy this recipe was to whip up on a busy weeknight. The combination of flavors was fantastic, and the heavy cream made it so rich and satisfying. Definitely making this again!
Elizabeth
This had good flavor, but it was too rich for me. I could maybe try it with half-and-half or whole milk instead.
Annabelle
This is an easy to make, satisfying dish that will definitely fill you up!
Bella
I was looking for a comforting pasta dish, and this hit the spot!
Selena
This dish was a hit at dinner! The smoked sausage added a wonderful depth of flavor, and the Cajun seasoning gave it just the right amount of kick. Creamy and delicious!
