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creamy cajun shrimp pasta with sausage
Sofia

creamy cajun shrimp pasta with sausage

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage is a bold, comforting, and flavor-packed dinner made with smoky sausage, tender shrimp, and pasta tossed in a rich Cajun-seasoned cream sauce. It’s a one-pan, restaurant-worthy meal perfect for weeknights or casual entertaining.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun, American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 8 oz andouille or smoked sausage sliced
  • ¾ lb shrimp peeled and deveined
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning plus more for shrimp
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • Optional: chopped parsley and red pepper flakes for garnish

Method
 

  1. Cook Pasta
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Cook Sausage
  4. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sausage. Sear until browned, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove from pan and set aside.
  5. Sauté Shrimp
  6. Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning. In the same pan, add a touch of oil if needed and cook shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink. Remove and set aside.
  7. Sauté Veggies
  8. Lower heat to medium. Melt butter in the skillet, then add onions and bell pepper. Sauté 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
  9. Make Sauce
  10. Whisk in tomato paste, then pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Adjust salt to taste.
  11. Combine
  12. Return sausage and shrimp to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through.
  13. Serve
  14. Garnish with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Spice Level: Use mild Cajun seasoning or reduce the amount for less heat.
  • Pasta Options: Works well with penne, rigatoni, linguine, or fettuccine.
  • Lighter Option: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but reduce Parmesan slightly.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.