Cajun Shrimp & Andouille Penne Alfredo is a bold, indulgent fusion dish that brings together the fiery spirit of Louisiana cuisine and the creamy comfort of classic Italian Alfredo. Juicy shrimp seasoned with smoky Cajun spices, slices of savory Andouille sausage, and perfectly cooked penne pasta are all coated in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. The result is a restaurant-style meal that’s hearty, spicy, and irresistibly creamy.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s bold, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful. The Cajun spices wake up the palate, the Andouille sausage adds smoky depth, and the Alfredo sauce brings everything together with velvety richness. It’s one of those dishes that always impresses guests and feels like a treat every time I make it.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Perfect balance of spicy, smoky, and creamy flavors
• Restaurant-quality pasta made at home
• Great for special occasions or indulgent dinners
• Customizable spice level
• Crowd-pleasing and comforting

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings, Calories, Course & Cuisine

• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~720 calories per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Cajun–Italian Fusion

Ingredients

For the Shrimp & Sausage

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz (225 g) Andouille sausage, sliced
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter

For the Pasta & Sauce

• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

For Garnish (Optional)

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Cooking Directions

1. Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water; drain and set aside.
2. Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning.
3. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sauté Andouille sausage until browned; remove and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, cook shrimp until pink and cooked through; remove and set aside.
6. Reduce heat to medium and melt butter; add garlic and sauté briefly.
7. Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently.
8. Stir in Parmesan cheese and smoked paprika until smooth.
9. Add cooked pasta, shrimp, and sausage to the sauce.
10. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
11. Season to taste and garnish before serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Boil pasta: Cook penne until al dente.
2. Season shrimp: Coat evenly with Cajun spice.
3. Brown sausage: Develop smoky flavor.
4. Cook shrimp: Sear quickly for tenderness.
5. Make Alfredo sauce: Simmer cream, garlic, and cheese.
6. Combine: Toss pasta, shrimp, and sausage in sauce.
7. Adjust consistency: Use pasta water if needed.

How to Serve

Serve Cajun Shrimp & Andouille Penne Alfredo hot, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan. Pair with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables. A chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the richness perfectly.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook shrimp—they cook in just 2–3 minutes
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth sauce
• Reserve pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency
• Taste Cajun seasoning first; salt levels vary

Variations (In Detail)

• Chicken Alfredo Cajun Style: Substitute shrimp with grilled chicken
• Seafood Alfredo: Add scallops or crab meat
• Spicy Alfredo: Increase Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes
• Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
• Vegetable Alfredo: Add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Freezing: Not recommended; cream sauce may separate
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Large pot for pasta
• Colander
• Wooden spoon or tongs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use regular sausage instead of Andouille?
A: Yes, smoked sausage works well as a substitute.

Q: Is this dish very spicy?
A: It’s moderately spicy but easily adjustable.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: It’s best fresh, but can be stored and reheated gently.

Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes, fettuccine, rigatoni, or linguine all work well.

Conclusion

Cajun Shrimp & Andouille Penne Alfredo is a rich, flavor-packed dish that brings excitement to the dinner table. With its creamy sauce, bold Cajun spices, and hearty mix of shrimp and sausage, it’s a meal that feels indulgent, comforting, and unforgettable. Perfect for treating yourself or impressing guests, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again.