Description
Cajun culinary magic unfolds in this creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage, blending spicy sausage and succulent shrimp in a rich, velvety sauce. Spice-lovers and comfort food enthusiasts will savor each forkful of this irresistible southern-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 6 oz andouille sausage (or smoked sausage, thinly sliced)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1/2 yellow onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 2/3 cloves garlic (chopped)
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or Creole seasoning)
- 4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth (sodium-free)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- 10 oz fettuccine pasta
Instructions
- Prepare the protein components by generously coating shrimp with Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and oregano, ensuring complete coverage.
- Preheat a large skillet to medium-high heat and sear shrimp for precisely 2 minutes per side until golden, then transfer to a separate plate.
- In the same skillet, brown sausage for 4-5 minutes until developing a rich, caramelized exterior, then remove and set aside.
- Cook fettuccine in salted boiling water until perfectly al dente, approximately 8-9 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
- Reduce skillet heat and introduce additional olive oil to create a flavor base with diced onions, red bell peppers, and Cajun seasoning, sautéing until vegetables soften.
- Incorporate minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release aromatic compounds.
- Deglaze the pan by adding crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream, scraping accumulated browned bits from the skillet’s surface.
- Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and liquid to slightly reduce.
- Gradually fold in Parmesan cheese until completely melted and sauce becomes smooth.
- Introduce cooked pasta and sausage, gently tossing to ensure even sauce distribution.
- Carefully return shrimp to the skillet, warming through for an additional 2 minutes.
- Plate immediately and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Choose fresh, large shrimp for the best texture and flavor in this Cajun pasta dish.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity based on personal spice tolerance, adding more or less as desired.
- Use smoked sausage like andouille for an authentic Cajun flavor profile that enhances the overall dish.
- Prep ingredients beforehand to ensure smooth cooking and prevent overcooking delicate shrimp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 533 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 570 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 215 mg