Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo
A delicious creamy pasta dish featuring smoked sausage and a flavorful Cajun twist.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fettuccine (227 g)
- 1 ring smoked sausage (13.5 ounces / 383 g), cut into ¼-inch pieces
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (½ stick / 57 g)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (476 g)
- 1 tablespoon garlic , minced
- 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (100 g), grated
- parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Start by boiling a pot of water and adding the fettuccine. Cook it al dente, which means it should be tender yet firm to the bite. Check it often to avoid overcooking.
- In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the smoked sausage pieces and brown them until they are sizzling and emit a delightful aroma. Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure they crisp nicely.
- Pour in the heavy whipping cream and stir gently. Let it come to a gentle bubble. Add the minced garlic, cajun seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper as it thickens. Use moderate heat to avoid burning the garlic.
- Once your sauce is creamy and slightly thickened, add the grated parmesan cheese. Stir well until fully melted and incorporated for a smooth consistency.
- Drain the cooked fettuccine and toss it into the creamy sausage mixture. Gently stir until all the pasta is well-coated in the sauce. Avoid stirring too vigorously to prevent breaking the pasta.
- Serve your Cajun Alfredo hot and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a delightful finish. It is best enjoyed warm.
Notes
Let the dish cool to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a little cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
Grate your own parmesan cheese for best results. Adjust the cajun seasoning to suit your taste preferences. Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for a nutritious twist.
Reheat the dish on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of cream or milk to the sauce to return it to its original consistency.
Serve with fresh parsley on top for a garnish. Pair with a side of garlic bread or a light salad for a balanced meal.
You can use turkey sausage, chorizo, or kielbasa as alternatives to smoked sausage. For a lighter option, substitute heavy whipping cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
Choose fresh parmesan if possible for a richer flavor. When selecting sausage, consider your preferred level of spice and smokiness.