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Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage

Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage

This Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage recipe delivers bold, spicy flavors combined with creamy richness and smoky depth, perfect for an impressive yet easy dinner. Featuring Cajun-seasoned shrimp, smoked andouille sausage, and a luscious parmesan cream sauce tossed with fettuccine or linguine, this dish brings comfort, heat, and versatility to your table in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Sausage

  • 1 lb fresh or thawed shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 oz smoked andouille sausage, sliced

Pasta

  • 12 oz fettuccine or linguine

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Sauce

  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, herbs blend)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Peel and devein the shrimp if needed. Slice the andouille sausage. Chop the bell peppers, onion, and mince the garlic. Having all ingredients prepped ahead ensures smooth cooking.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency later.
  3. Sauté the Sausage and Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage slices and cook 3-4 minutes until browned and slightly crisp. Remove sausage and set aside. Add bell peppers, onion, and garlic to skillet and cook until softened and fragrant.
  4. Cook the Shrimp with Cajun Seasoning: Toss shrimp in Cajun seasoning and add to the skillet. Cook about 2 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to keep shrimp tender.
  5. Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low and add butter. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well. Let sauce thicken slightly, adding reserved pasta water gradually if sauce becomes too thick.
  6. Combine Everything: Return sausage to the skillet and add drained pasta. Toss gently to coat pasta evenly with sauce and mix all ingredients thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning with more Cajun seasoning or salt as needed.
  7. Serve Immediately: Plate the pasta while hot to enjoy its creamy texture and bold flavors at their best.

Notes

  • Use fresh or fully thawed shrimp for best texture and flavor.
  • Reserving pasta water is key to loosening and binding the sauce to the noodles.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning to your heat preference or use homemade blends for freshness.
  • Cook shrimp just until pink to prevent rubbery texture.
  • Finish with fresh parsley or green onions for brightness and color contrast.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp pasta, spicy shrimp pasta, creamy sausage pasta, Cajun sausage pasta, quick dinner recipes, creamy Cajun sauce