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Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage

Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage
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This Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage recipe combines smoky andouille sausage, tender shrimp, and a creamy, spicy Cajun sauce tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine or linguine. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers bold flavors and a satisfying kick for an easy weeknight dinner that’s protein-packed and customizable to your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 12 oz fresh or thawed shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 oz andouille sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces

Pasta

  • 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings & Spices

  • 2–3 tbsp Cajun seasoning (blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs)
  • Salt, to taste

Dairy & Fats

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later to adjust sauce consistency.
  2. Sauté the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced andouille sausage and cook until golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
  3. Cook the Shrimp: Add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Toss in shrimp seasoned lightly with salt and Cajun seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside with sausage.
  4. Build the Sauce: Using remaining oil and bits in the skillet, add diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning and toast the spices briefly. Stir in heavy cream and let the sauce simmer gently to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Combine Everything: Return cooked sausage and shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat evenly with the sauce. Add cooked pasta and toss gently to combine. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired creaminess is achieved.
  6. Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the warm pasta, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use fresh shrimp for the best texture, but frozen shrimp works if thawed properly.
  • Do not overcook shrimp to avoid toughness; remove them once pink and opaque.
  • Start with less Cajun seasoning and adjust to your preferred spice level.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen thick sauce without diluting flavor.
  • Using high-quality andouille sausage enhances the dish’s smoky depth.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp pasta, sausage pasta, creamy Cajun pasta, andouille sausage recipe, spicy shrimp pasta

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/cajun-shrimp-pasta-with-sausage/