Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, short pastas like rigatoni or fusilli work well and hold the sauce nicely.

How can I adjust the spiciness level?

Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for more heat, or reduce Cajun seasoning for a milder taste.

Use gluten-free pasta and verify that both broth and sausage are gluten-free to accommodate gluten sensitivities.

Turkey or chicken sausage can replace smoked sausage for a lighter texture without compromising flavor.

Stir in Parmesan at the end off the heat and avoid boiling to maintain smooth, creamy consistency.

A creamy, spicy one-pot pasta dish featuring smoked sausage, tender pasta, and a bold Cajun Alfredo sauce—perfect for busy weeknights.

This recipe became a weeknight favorite in my house after the first bite. The smoky sausage and rich Alfredo sauce had everyone reaching for seconds.

Sausage & Vegetables: 14 oz (400 g) smoked sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds, 1 medium yellow onion, diced, 1 medium red bell pepper, diced, 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta & Liquids: 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta (or other short pasta), 4 cups (1 liter) low-sodium chicken broth, 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
Cheeses: 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings: 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade), ½ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste), ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
Garnish: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving

Brown Sausage:: Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.
Add Vegetables:: Add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
Flavor Base:: Stir in the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Liquids & Pasta:: Add the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, heavy cream, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika. Stir well, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged.
Simmer:: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Finish Sauce:: Remove from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Adjust Seasoning:: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve:: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

My kids love helping slice the sausage for this dish, and it always brings us together for dinner around the table.

Large deep skillet or Dutch oven with lid, Wooden spoon or spatula, Chefs knife, Cutting board, Measuring cups and spoons

Contains milk (cream, Parmesan cheese), wheat (pasta). Check sausage and broth for hidden allergens.

Per serving: calories 680, fat 38 g, carbohydrates 54 g, protein 29 g

Serve this straight from the skillet for maximum flavor and a cozy family dinner everyone will love.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?: Yes, short pastas like rigatoni or fusilli work well and hold the sauce nicely.
→ How can I adjust the spiciness level?: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for more heat, or reduce Cajun seasoning for a milder taste.
→ Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?: Use gluten-free pasta and verify that both broth and sausage are gluten-free to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
→ What can I substitute for smoked sausage?: Turkey or chicken sausage can replace smoked sausage for a lighter texture without compromising flavor.
→ How do I achieve a creamy texture without breaking the sauce?: Stir in Parmesan at the end off the heat and avoid boiling to maintain smooth, creamy consistency.