Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage is a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines succulent shrimp, smoky sausage, and creamy pasta with bold Cajun spices. Perfect for a comforting dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings together the best of Southern cooking in a single bowl. The rich, spicy, and creamy flavors will tantalize your taste buds while being surprisingly easy to prepare. Ideal for fans of robust flavors, this one-pot wonder is sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces of fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 ounces of smoked sausage, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Once cooked al dente, drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and season with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Sauté for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Remove the sausage and set it aside with the shrimp.
- Lower the heat to medium, and add the remaining olive oil and butter to the skillet. Toss in the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft.
- Add the minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze it and incorporate all the flavorful bits. Reduce the heat slightly and add the heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Slowly mix in the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to create a smooth and creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Return the cooked shrimp and sausage to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together to coat evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Allow the pasta to simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately for a warm and satisfying meal.
Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage is an irresistible combination of spice, creaminess, and smoky flavors. It’s the perfect dish to impress guests or to enjoy as a weeknight treat. Experiment with the spice level and ingredients to make it your own, and savor the magic of Creole-inspired cuisine in every bite.