Print

Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage

Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage
Print Recipe

A quick, creamy, and spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage featuring succulent shrimp, smoky andouille sausage, and a rich Cajun-spiced cream sauce tossed with fettuccine or linguine pasta. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal that combines bold Cajun flavors with comforting textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Sausage

  • 1 pound medium shrimp, fresh or thawed, peeled and deveined
  • 8 ounces andouille sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces

Pasta

  • 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic, and herbs)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (red or green)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Finish and Garnishes

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Cook fettuccine or linguine in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving one cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed.
  2. Cook the Sausage: Slice the andouille sausage into bite-sized pieces. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the sausage until browned and caramelized, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables and Seasonings: In the same skillet, add olive oil if needed. Sauté diced onions, garlic, and bell peppers until softened and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and toast the spices lightly to enhance their aroma.
  4. Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Return the cooked sausage to the pan, mixing all the flavors together with the shrimp and vegetables.
  5. Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce becomes too thick, to achieve a silky texture.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta directly into the skillet, coating every strand with the creamy Cajun sauce. Heat through until all ingredients are warmed and well combined.
  7. Finish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese over the top before serving for a fresh, colorful, and flavorful finish.

Notes

  • Use fresh shrimp whenever possible for the best flavor and texture.
  • Toast Cajun seasoning in the pan to intensify its aroma and depth.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles.
  • Do not overcook shrimp; remove once they turn pink to keep them tender.
  • Adjust spice levels gradually by adding seasoning little by little and tasting as you go.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp pasta, spicy pasta, creamy pasta, sausage pasta, andouille sausage recipe, quick dinner, easy Cajun recipe

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