Name: Cajun Sausage Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 8 oz penne pasta; 2 tbsp butter; 2 ½ cups milk; 1 packet Tony Chachere’s Creole Alfredo Sauce Mix; 1 tsp Tony Chachere’s More Spice Seasoning (adjust to taste); 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced; 1 bell pepper, sliced

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Oh, if you’re anything like me, you’ll fall head over heels for this Cajun Sausage Alfredo Pasta Recipe. It brings together creamy Alfredo goodness with bold Cajun flavors, sparked by spicy sausage and vibrant bell peppers. I love it because it’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough to impress guests without breaking a sweat.

I find this recipe perfect when I want comfort food with a kick—something to warm you up and wake up your taste buds at the same time. The Cajun seasoning gives it just the right spark, balancing that smooth, cheesy Alfredo sauce. Trust me, once you try this Cajun Sausage Alfredo Pasta Recipe, it will become a staple in your rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays its part beautifully, creating a balance of creamy, spicy, and smoky flavors. When you shop, try to grab fresh bell peppers and a good quality smoked sausage—the flavors really shine through.

Penne pasta: The ridges on penne catch that delicious sauce so well—makes every bite perfect.
Butter: Essential for creating a rich base for the Alfredo sauce.
Milk: I use 2% milk for creaminess without it feeling too heavy.
Tony Chachere’s Creole Alfredo Sauce Mix: This is a game-changer—adds authentic Creole flavor quickly and easily.
Smoked sausage (sliced): The smoky, spicy sausage adds amazing depth and texture; I like using a quality smoked kielbasa.
Bell pepper (sliced): I usually go for red or green for a nice color pop and sweetness.
Mozzarella cheese (shredded): This melts perfectly, keeping the sauce creamy and stringy in the best way.
Tony Chachere’s More Spice Seasoning: For that extra kick—adjust to your heat preference.

Variations

I like to mix things up depending on what’s in my fridge or how much heat I’m craving. This recipe is super forgiving, so feel free to get creative with the Cajun Sausage Alfredo Pasta Recipe.

Spicy variation: Adding a pinch more Tony Chachere’s More Spice Seasoning really kicks it up. Once, I doubled the spice, and my family couldn’t get enough!
Vegetarian option: Swap sausage for smoked tofu or just double up on the peppers and onions. It’s deliciously creamy and flavorful even without meat.
Low-carb twist: Use zucchini noodles instead of penne for a lighter, veggie-packed meal.
Cheese upgrade: Try mixing in some Parmesan with the mozzarella for extra richness—it gives the sauce that classic Alfredo depth.

How to Make Cajun Sausage Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Penne Pasta Until Al Dente

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your penne pasta. Cooking it al dente keeps the pasta firm and a little chewy, which is perfect since it will soak up some sauce later. Usually about 9-11 minutes—check the package but trust your taste buds! Drain well and set aside, keeping a little pasta water just in case the sauce needs loosening.

Step 2: Sauté the Sausage and Bell Peppers

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the sliced smoked sausage and bell peppers, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the sausage browns a bit and the peppers soften up beautifully. This step builds the savory foundation of the dish, so don’t rush it. Pro tip: keep stirring to avoid burning that butter!

Step 3: Whisk in Milk and Alfredo Sauce Mix

Lower the heat and add your milk along with the Tony Chachere’s Creole Alfredo Sauce Mix. Whisk continuously to combine everything smoothly, letting it thicken slightly—usually around 4-6 minutes. The sauce mix makes it effortless to get that rich, creamy, spicy flavor without extra fuss. Keep the heat low here; you want it hot but not boiling to prevent curdling.

Step 4: Toss Pasta, Cheese, and More Spice Seasoning

Now, stir in the drained penne pasta and sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella cheese. Add the Tony Chachere’s More Spice Seasoning, tasting and adjusting to suit your heat preference. Toss everything gently until the cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water will bring it back to that perfect silky texture.

How to Serve Cajun Sausage Alfredo Pasta Recipe

A white speckled bowl filled with creamy pasta showing three layers: the base layer is penne pasta in a light creamy sauce, the middle layer has sliced sausages with a brown exterior and pieces of red bell pepper scattered, and the top layer is fresh chopped green parsley sprinkled over the dish. A gold fork rests inside the bowl on the right side. Surrounding the bowl is a white marbled surface, with a white and beige striped cloth in the background, sprigs of parsley around, and a white round bowl filled with more chopped parsley on the upper right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always finish off with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions. It adds a pop of color and fresh brightness that balances the creamy, spicy sauce. Sometimes I’ll add a little extra Tony Chachere’s on top if I know my guests like it hot!

Side Dishes

I love pairing this Cajun Sausage Alfredo Pasta Recipe with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some garlic bread. The crisp freshness of salad cuts through the richness, and that garlicky bread? Well, it’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve this pasta in individual ramekins, topped with a little extra cheese and broiled until bubbly and golden. It’s an easy way to make a casual dish look party-worthy. Also, layering it with roasted vegetables on the side can amp up the flavors and presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Because this pasta has plenty of sauce, it reheats nicely without drying out. Just be sure to stir it well before transferring to your container for even flavor distribution.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but I find the texture changes slightly because of the creamy sauce. If you want to freeze it, portion into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove with a splash of milk to bring it back to life.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer using a skillet over medium-low heat with a bit of milk or water to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too, just add a splash of milk and stir every minute or so to prevent the sauce from separating. This keeps the Cajun Sausage Alfredo Pasta Recipe tasting fresh and silky.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this Cajun Sausage Alfredo Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is preferred because it holds sauce well, you can swap in fettuccine, rigatoni, or even bow ties. Just adjust the cooking time to the pasta package instructions and enjoy the same creamy, spicy flavor.
Is Tony Chachere’s necessary, or can I substitute it?

Tony Chachere’s adds that authentic Cajun flair, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and dried herbs. The flavor won’t be exactly the same but still delicious!
How spicy is this Cajun Sausage Alfredo Pasta Recipe?

The spice level is moderate and can be adjusted by how much More Spice Seasoning you add. If you prefer milder, start with less seasoning and add gradually to suit your taste.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can try substituting the milk and cheese with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk and vegan cheese, but the sauce texture and flavor will differ. It’ll be more like a creamy Cajun pasta, still tasty but not traditional Alfredo.

Final Thoughts

This Cajun Sausage Alfredo Pasta Recipe is one of those meals I keep coming back to because it’s both comforting and exciting. It’s an easy way to elevate pasta night with bold, spicy flavors that aren’t intimidating to cook. Honestly, once you make this at home, you’ll love how approachable and satisfying it is—so go ahead, give it a try and invite friends over to share the goodness!