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Indulge in Creamy Cajun Sausage and Shrimp Pasta Bliss - Featured Image

Indulge in Creamy Cajun Sausage and Shrimp Pasta Bliss

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Learn how to make delicious Creamy Cajun Sausage and Shrimp Pasta. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients, especially when it comes to the sausage and shrimp. I always reach for high-quality andouille sausage or a spicy smoked sausage to get that authentic Cajun flavor. Fresh shrimp makes all the difference here, but if you’re short on time, frozen shrimp work just as well—just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking. The creaminess comes from a mix of heavy cream and a touch of Parmesan, which balances the heat perfectly.

  • 12 oz andouille or smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 2 cups chicken broth or stock

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned and slightly crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables and bring out the spices’ aroma.
  6. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside with the sausage.
  7. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce slightly for about 3-4 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any flavorful bits.
  8. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens, about 3 minutes. If it gets too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen.
  9. Return the sausage and shrimp to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce.
  10. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International

Find it online: https://artofeasycooking.com/creamy-cajun-sausage-and-shrimp-pasta/