Irresistible Cajun Smoked Sausage Alfredo Pasta
This Cajun Smoked Sausage Alfredo Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish with a spicy kick. It combines perfectly cooked pasta with a rich Alfredo sauce and flavorful Cajun smoked sausage. It's a quick and easy weeknight meal that's sure to become a family favorite.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta fettuccine or linguine
- Water for boiling
- Salt for pasta water
- 1 pound Cajun smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil optional
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Drain the pasta well and set aside.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil (if needed) over medium heat.
- Add the sliced Cajun smoked sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and nutmeg until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta and the sautéed Cajun smoked sausage to the Alfredo sauce.
- Toss to coat the pasta and sausage evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Heat through gently, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Don't overcook the pasta; cook it al dente. Keep the heat low when making the Alfredo sauce to prevent scorching. Adjust the thickness of the sauce with pasta water or by simmering. For a spicier dish, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce. You can make the Alfredo sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed.