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Cajun Sausage Alfredo Pasta Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you know there’s something magical about the creamy comfort of Alfredo pasta combined with the spicy kick of Cajun sausage. This Cajun Sausage Alfredo Pasta Recipe is exactly that tasty magic in a bowl. It’s warm, indulgent, and packed with bold flavors that brighten any weeknight dinner. Seriously, it’s perfect for when you want to feel wowed without spending hours in the kitchen.

What makes this Cajun Sausage Alfredo Pasta Recipe really stand out is how it balances richness and spice effortlessly. The Tony Chachere’s Creole Alfredo Sauce Mix brings that classic Louisiana flavor right to your stovetop, while the smoked sausage and bell peppers add a satisfying texture and smoky zip. Trust me, once you try this combo, it’ll be your go-to comfort meal whenever pasta cravings hit!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cajun Sausage Alfredo Pasta Recipe has a purpose – from building flavor layers to adding delicious creaminess. Here’s a quick rundown to help you shop smart and understand why these staples work so well together.

  • Penne pasta: Its tube shape is perfect for catching the creamy sauce, making every bite flavorful.
  • Butter: Essential for starting the sauce with a rich, silky base.
  • Milk: I use 2 ½ cups of whole milk for creaminess, but you can adjust depending on how thick you want the sauce.
  • Tony Chachere’s Creole Alfredo Sauce Mix: This is the secret to that authentic Cajun flavor – super convenient and packs a punch.
  • Smoked sausage: Adds smoky, savory notes and protein; I usually go for smoked Andouille or Kielbasa for that authentic Cajun vibe.
  • Bell pepper: Sliced for a fresh crunch and sweetness that balances the spice well.
  • Mozzarella cheese: Shredded to melt beautifully into the sauce, giving it gooey, cheesy goodness.
  • Tony Chachere’s More Spice Seasoning: Add according to your heat preference; I like a little extra kick to brighten the dish.

Variations

I love to tweak this Cajun Sausage Alfredo Pasta Recipe based on what I have on hand and my mood—don’t be afraid to personalize it! It’s super forgiving and flexible, which makes it perfect for experimenting.

  • Variation: Swap smoked sausage with spicy chorizo for a smoky, fiery flavor kick. I tried this once for game day and it was a hit with friends!
  • Vegetarian option: Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms and add extra bell peppers. It still tastes rich and satisfying, especially with a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
  • Low-carb twist: Use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles instead of penne pasta. It keeps things light but just as flavorful.
  • Cheese swap: Try using sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a sharper or spicier cheesy flavor. This works great if you want to surprise your taste buds.

How to Make Cajun Sausage Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the pasta perfectly

Start with boiling your penne pasta in salted water until it’s just al dente—usually about 9 to 11 minutes. Don’t overcook! You want that slight bite because the pasta will continue to cook a bit once mixed with the sauce. After draining, set it aside but keep about half a cup of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté sausage and bell peppers

While the pasta is cooking, heat a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the smoked sausage slices and cook until lightly browned—this usually takes 4-5 minutes. Add the sliced bell peppers and sauté for another 3-4 minutes until they soften but still have a bit of crunch. This step creates a smoky-sweet base that’ll complement the creamy sauce beautifully.

Step 3: Make the Cajun Alfredo sauce

In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and slowly whisk in the milk, making sure it’s heated through but not boiling. Sprinkle in the Tony Chachere’s Creole Alfredo Sauce Mix, stirring constantly until it dissolves. The sauce will start to thicken within a few minutes. If it gets too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine everything & melt the cheese

Reduce the heat to low and add the sautéed sausage, peppers, and cooked pasta back into the skillet with your sauce. Sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella cheese and gently stir until the cheese melts and everything is nicely coated in that luscious sauce. Finish off with a pinch of Tony Chachere’s More Spice Seasoning for an extra hit of Cajun heat—you can always adjust this to your liking!

How to Serve Cajun Sausage Alfredo Pasta Recipe

A white speckled bowl holds three layers of food: at the bottom are creamy white pasta tubes, above them are sliced brown sausage pieces mixed with light orange bell pepper chunks, and the whole dish is topped with fresh green parsley bits spread evenly. A gold fork rests on the right edge inside the bowl. Around the bowl are green parsley leaves and a small white bowl filled with more chopped parsley on a white marbled surface with a beige textured cloth near the top left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this Cajun Sausage Alfredo Pasta with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. A little grated Parmesan cheese adds an extra savory punch, too. Sometimes I sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes if we want to turn up the heat even more!

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls are classic sides that soak up every bit of that creamy sauce — trust me, you’ll want a bit of bread to mop the plate!

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve served this pasta in individual cast iron skillets or shallow ramekins which keep it warm longer and look super inviting. Garnishing with edible flowers or extra herbs makes it feel fancy without the fuss—perfect for impressing guests or date night at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pack leftovers in airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it sits, so when you reheat, you may want to add a little splash of milk or cream to loosen it back up to that silky Alfredo texture.

Freezing

This Cajun Sausage Alfredo Pasta Recipe freezes pretty well if you want to make it in bulk. I recommend freezing before adding the cheese, as fresh cheese melts better after thawing. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

When reheating, I gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk stirred in to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving for long periods to keep the sausage tender and prevent the sauce from becoming grainy.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other types of pasta for this Cajun Sausage Alfredo Pasta Recipe?

    Absolutely! While penne works great for holding onto the sauce, you can swap it for rigatoni, fettuccine, or even bowtie pasta. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to make sure your pasta is perfectly al dente.

  2. Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?

    Yes, swap the milk for unsweetened almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative. For cheese, there are some great vegan shredded cheese options, though the texture might be slightly different.

  3. How spicy is this Cajun Sausage Alfredo Pasta Recipe?

    The spice level depends on how much Tony Chachere’s More Spice Seasoning you add. I recommend starting with a teaspoon and adjusting to taste, especially if you’re cooking for kids or those sensitive to heat. You can always add more later!

  4. Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

    You can slice the sausage and bell peppers in advance and keep them refrigerated. Also, making the sauce early and reheating gently works, but I recommend combining everything just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Cajun Sausage Alfredo Pasta Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite quick comforts. It’s rich, spicy, and supremely satisfying—all the things you want in a cozy dinner. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes a staple in your recipe rotation too. Once you taste that creamy sauce paired with smoky sausage and a little Cajun fire, you’re gonna keep coming back for more!

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Cajun Sausage Alfredo Pasta Recipe

A creamy and flavorful Cajun Sausage Alfredo Pasta that combines smoky sausage, bell peppers, and a zesty Creole Alfredo sauce for a deliciously comforting meal. This dish features tender penne pasta tossed in a rich, cheesy sauce with a spicy kick from Tony Chachere’s seasonings, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Sauce

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 ½ cups milk
  • 1 packet Tony Chachere’s Creole Alfredo Sauce Mix

Protein and Vegetables

  • 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced

Cheese and Seasoning

  • 1 ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 tsp Tony Chachere’s More Spice Seasoning (adjust to taste)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Sausage and Bell Pepper: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for about 5 minutes until browned and slightly crispy. Add the sliced bell pepper and sauté for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
  3. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Slowly stir in 2 ½ cups of milk and sprinkle in the Tony Chachere’s Creole Alfredo Sauce Mix. Whisk continuously over medium heat until the sauce begins to thicken, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet with the sauce, sausage, and bell pepper. Mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
  5. Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 teaspoon of Tony Chachere’s More Spice Seasoning. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
  6. Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with additional spices or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Adjust the More Spice Seasoning to your preferred spice level.
  • If you want a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of milk slightly or cook the sauce a bit longer.
  • Smoked sausage can be substituted with andouille sausage for a more traditional Cajun flavor.
  • For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a bit of grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Cajun sausage Alfredo pasta, creamy pasta, penne pasta recipe, Cajun pasta, smoked sausage pasta, Creole Alfredo sauce, spicy pasta dish

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