Description
Dive into a bowl of Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage, where succulent shrimp and smoky sausage meet a luscious, zesty sauce for a delightful culinary experience. This dish combines the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with creamy richness and tender pasta, perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests with vibrant flavors and comforting textures. Quick to prepare and easily customizable, it’s a sure crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine
- 1 lb large shrimp, deveined
- 8 oz andouille sausage, sliced
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color: red, yellow, or green)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Seasonings
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Butter or oil, for sautéing
Instructions
- Gather and Prep Ingredients: Chop the bell peppers and onion finely, and pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they sauté properly.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or linguine and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter or heat oil. Add chopped onions and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Cook Sausage and Shrimp: Add sliced andouille sausage to the skillet and cook until golden brown and slightly crispy. Then add the shrimp, cooking until they turn pink and opaque, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring to combine with the sausage, shrimp, and aromatics. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning generously for that classic bold flavor, stirring well to distribute the spices.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet, gently folding it into the creamy sauce to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until you reach a creamy but not gloppy consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted throughout the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot to enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture rather than frozen.
- Let the sauce simmer slightly longer for deeper flavor and thickness.
- Season your pasta water generously with salt to enhance overall dish seasoning.
- Customize by adding extra vegetables like spinach or swapping shrimp with chicken or tofu.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to revive creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (350g)
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keywords: creamy cajun shrimp pasta, cajun sausage pasta, cajun pasta recipe, creamy shrimp pasta, andouille sausage pasta, spicy shrimp pasta, fettuccine cajun, easy cajun dinner, seafood pasta recipes
