Description:
Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo is a rich, creamy pasta dish with a spicy twist. The smoky flavor of sausage combines beautifully with Cajun seasoning, garlic, and a luscious Alfredo sauce. This quick and flavorful meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want a satisfying, comforting plate.
Ingredients (Quantities):
- Pasta (fettuccine, penne, or linguine): 12 oz
- Smoked sausage (sliced into rounds): 12 oz
- Heavy cream: 1 ½ cups
- Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): 1 ½ cups
- Garlic (minced): 3 cloves
- Cajun seasoning: 2 tablespoons
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Fresh parsley (chopped): 2 tablespoons (for garnish)
Optional Ingredients:
- Red pepper flakes: ½ teaspoon (for extra heat)
- Bell peppers (sliced): 1 large (adds color and crunch)
- Onions (diced): 1 small (for added sweetness)
- Chicken broth: ¼ cup (to loosen the sauce)
- Green onions (chopped): for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the smoked sausage slices and cook until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and optional veggies: In the same skillet, add butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). If using bell peppers or onions, sauté them for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Make the Cajun Alfredo sauce: Stir in the Cajun seasoning and heavy cream, then bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little chicken broth to loosen it.
- Combine pasta and sausage: Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet and toss the pasta into the sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly.
- Season and garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley and, if desired, green onions or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Tips for Success:
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly into the sauce.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Cooking it al dente ensures the pasta holds its texture when tossed with the sauce.
- Adjust spice level: Start with less Cajun seasoning if you’re sensitive to heat, then add more as needed.
Recommendations:
- Pair this dish with a side salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness.
- Serve with garlic bread to soak up the delicious Alfredo sauce.
Nutrition (per serving, estimated):
- Calories: 640
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 1350mg
- Sugars: 3g
Enjoy your flavorful Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo!
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