Description
A rich and flavorful Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage recipe featuring tender shrimp and smoky andouille sausage tossed in a zesty Cajun-spiced cream sauce with penne or fettuccine pasta. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner with a kick of Southern-inspired spice.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Protein
- ½ lb andouille sausage (sliced)
- ½ lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 bell pepper (sliced)
- ½ small red onion (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Liquids & Dairy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings & Garnish
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the fettuccine or penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and slightly crispy on the edges.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the cooked sausage and shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, sliced bell pepper, and sliced red onion. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened and aromatic.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta and Proteins: Add the cooked pasta, along with the sausage and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve warm to enjoy the full flavors of this spicy, creamy Cajun shrimp pasta dish.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level for a milder or spicier dish.
- Substitute andouille sausage with smoked sausage, turkey sausage, or any preferred sausage if desired.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for more nutrition and flavor.
- Ensure shrimp are peeled and deveined for best texture and taste.
