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Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage

Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage
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This Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage is a quick and flavorful weeknight dish combining succulent shrimp, spicy sausage, and a creamy Cajun-seasoned sauce tossed with fettuccine or linguine. Ready in about 30 minutes, it offers a perfect balance of spice, smoky flavor, and comfort in one easy skillet meal.

Ingredients

Proteins

  • Shrimp: 1 lb fresh or thawed, peeled and deveined
  • Andouille Sausage: 8 oz, sliced into bite-sized pieces (or smoked sausage)

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • Onion: 1 medium, chopped
  • Bell Peppers: 1 cup, chopped (any color)
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, freshly minced

Dry Ingredients & Seasonings

  • Cajun Seasoning: 2 tablespoons
  • Salt: to taste
  • Black Pepper: to taste

Pasta & Dairy

  • Pasta: 8 oz fettuccine or linguine
  • Heavy Cream: 1 cup
  • Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated, plus extra for serving

Fats

  • Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
  • Butter: 2 tablespoons

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Peel and devein shrimp if needed. Slice sausage, chop onion and bell peppers, mince garlic. Having everything ready ensures smooth cooking.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water, then set pasta aside.
  3. Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Brown sausage until fragrant. Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic; sauté until softened and caramelized.
  4. Cook the Shrimp: Add shrimp to skillet, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook 2-3 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque; avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery texture.
  5. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Simmer gently until sauce slightly thickens. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
  6. Combine and Serve: Toss cooked pasta into the skillet, fully coating it with sauce. Serve immediately garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley or chives if desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for best texture.
  • Remove shrimp from heat as soon as they turn pink to avoid overcooking.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level during cooking.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce and help it adhere better to pasta.
  • Make sure to brown sausage well for maximum smoky flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp pasta, sausage pasta, spicy pasta recipe, one-pot pasta, creamy Cajun pasta

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/cajun-shrimp-pasta-with-sausage/