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Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Pasta

A vibrant dish featuring succulent shrimp, smoky sausage, and crisp vegetables in a creamy sauce, perfect for busy evenings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Base Ingredients
  • 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
  • 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (plus more for taste)
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside, reserving a little pasta water if needed.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and sauté for 4–5 minutes until golden brown. Remove the sausage and set aside on a plate.
  3. Season the shrimp generously with Cajun seasoning, ensuring each piece is well-coated. In the same skillet, cook the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink and curl slightly. Remove and set aside with the sausage.
Cooking
  1. Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the skillet. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened and just starting to caramelize, about 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to become fragrant without burning.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
  4. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Add additional Cajun seasoning to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 5–6 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
  5. Return the cooked sausage and shrimp to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and gently toss until everything is coated with the creamy Cajun sauce.
Serving
  1. Serve the dish hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a pop of color.
  2. Pair with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

Add a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness. Substitute shrimp for chicken or vegetarian sausage for a different flavor. Serve with extra Cajun seasoning on the side for a personalized kick.