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Creamy Cajun Pasta with Succulent Shrimp and Spicy Sausage

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How to Make Creamy Cajun Pasta with Shrimp and Andouille Sausage

Creamy Cajun Pasta is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that combines spicy Andouille sausage, succulent shrimp, and a rich, creamy sauce with Cajun spices. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or when you’re craving a hearty dish. With bold flavors from smoked paprika, garlic, and Cajun seasoning, this dish will satisfy your taste buds and warm your soul. Here’s how to make it step by step!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly balanced flavors: The heat from Cajun seasoning pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce, smoky sausage, and tender shrimp.
  • Quick and easy: In under 40 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table.
  • Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level, swap out proteins, or add more veggies to suit your preferences.
  • Hearty and satisfying: The combination of pasta, protein, and creamy sauce makes this dish a complete, satisfying meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or penne pasta: Fettuccine gives a silky texture, while penne absorbs the sauce perfectly.
  • Salt: For seasoning the pasta water.

For the Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the sausage and shrimp.
  • 1/2 pound (225 g) Andouille sausage, sliced: Adds smoky, spicy flavor.
  • 1 pound (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Provides a tender and sweet element to balance the spice.
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds a mild, sweet base to the sauce.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced: For a fragrant and flavorful punch.
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Brings sweetness and color to the dish.
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich sauce.
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream: Creates a luscious and creamy texture.
  • 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
  • 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese: For a sharp, nutty finish to the sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning: Brings bold, spicy flavors typical of Cajun cuisine.
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky depth.
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For extra heat if you like your pasta spicy.
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional): For thickening the sauce if needed.
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: For a fresh and vibrant garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Boil the water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Salt is important for flavoring the pasta.
  2. Cook the pasta: Add the fettuccine or penne and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on the pasta shape.
  3. Drain: Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Sausage and Shrimp

  1. Sauté the sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced Andouille sausage and cook for about 4-5 minutes, until it’s browned and slightly crispy. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
  2. Cook the shrimp: Using the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside with the sausage. Tip: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so remove them from the skillet as soon as they turn pink.

Step 3: Make the Cajun Cream Sauce

  1. Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the finely chopped onion, garlic, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes. This creates a flavorful base for the sauce.
  2. Add the flour (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir well. Cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
  3. Pour in the broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to combine with the vegetables. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. Add the cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, mixing until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
  5. Add cheese and spices: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Tip: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can add more Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick, or more Parmesan for a richer flavor.
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Step 4: Combine Everything

  1. Return the sausage and shrimp: Add the cooked sausage and shrimp back into the skillet. Stir well to coat them with the sauce.
  2. Toss with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce and heated through.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  1. Garnish: Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
  2. Serve: Serve immediately with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serving Suggestion: This Creamy Cajun Pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. For added texture, serve with crusty garlic bread or a side of freshly baked rolls.

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Cajun Pasta

  1. Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape better when mixed with the creamy sauce. Make sure to follow the package instructions for cooking times.
  2. Balance the spice: Cajun seasoning can be quite spicy, so adjust the amount according to your preference. If you want more heat, add the optional cayenne pepper.
  3. Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp will give you the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
  4. Don’t skip the garnish: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also brightens the dish with a hint of herbal flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to substitute fettuccine or penne with your favorite pasta shape. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta used.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time and reheat before serving. Be sure to add a little extra cream or broth when reheating to restore the creamy consistency.

3. How can I make this recipe lighter?

For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of sausage or use a leaner sausage option.

4. What can I use instead of Andouille sausage?

If you don’t have Andouille sausage, you can use any spicy sausage or chorizo as a substitute. These will still give the dish a nice smoky, spicy flavor.

5. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little extra cream or broth to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Pasta with Shrimp and Spicy Sausage is the ultimate comfort food, packed with flavor and perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special dinner. The combination of creamy sauce, spicy sausage, and tender shrimp makes this dish a standout on any table. Try it out for your next dinner, and don’t forget to serve it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

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