Description
Sizzling Cajun spices elevate this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage into a Louisiana-inspired feast. Hearty proteins and silky sauce create a bold, memorable meal sure to satisfy hungry diners seeking authentic southern comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 6 oz andouille sausage (or smoked sausage, thinly sliced)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- ½ yellow onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 2–3 cloves garlic (chopped)
- ½ cup crushed tomatoes
Seasonings, Pasta, and Sauce:
- 10 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or Creole seasoning)
- 4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup chicken broth (sodium-free)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ⅔ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare seasoned protein components by lavishly coating shrimp with aromatic Cajun spices, salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Utilize a spacious skillet over robust medium-high heat, introducing olive oil to sear shrimp swiftly until golden, approximately 2 minutes per side. Transfer shrimp to a holding plate.
- Continue using the same skillet to caramelize sausage, rendering its edges crisp and rich with flavor for 4-5 minutes. Remove and reserve alongside shrimp.
- Simultaneously, initiate pasta preparation by boiling salted water and cooking fettuccine until perfectly tender yet firm, then drain thoroughly.
- Reduce skillet temperature to medium, adding additional olive oil to create a flavor foundation with diced onions, vibrant red bell peppers, Cajun seasoning, subtle brown sugar, and minimal salt.
- Introduce minced garlic, allowing its pungent essence to bloom for roughly 30 seconds, releasing intricate aromatics.
- Construct a luxurious sauce by incorporating crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and velvety heavy cream. Deglaze the pan, capturing every caramelized morsel.
- Allow sauce to gently simmer, developing depth and complexity for several minutes.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely integrated and creating a silky texture.
- Fold cooked pasta and sausage into the creamy mixture, ensuring comprehensive coating and heating thoroughly for 2-3 minutes.
- Delicately reintroduce reserved shrimp, gently folding to maintain protein integrity.
- Serve immediately, adorning with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.
Notes
- Select jumbo or large shrimp for maximum texture and visual appeal in the final dish.
- Control spice levels by adjusting Cajun seasoning according to personal heat tolerance.
- Substitute whole wheat pasta for a healthier, higher-fiber alternative without compromising flavor.
- Pat shrimp completely dry before seasoning to ensure perfect searing and prevent steaming instead of browning.
- Use andouille sausage for authentic Cajun
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg