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Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta

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“My husband and I could barely walk back into the kitchen after dinner because we ate so much of this! Haha. It’s too yummy to resist!”


Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4-6


Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb. large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or Creole seasoning)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

For the Pasta and Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • 6 oz andouille sausage (or smoked sausage, thinly sliced)
  • 10 ounces fettuccine pasta
  • ½ yellow onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
  • 4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (or Creole seasoning)
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 2-3 cloves garlic (chopped)
  • ½ cup crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup chicken broth (sodium-free preferred)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp:
    • Toss the shrimp with salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, and oregano until evenly coated.
    • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle with olive oil.
  2. Cook the Shrimp:
    • Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until pink and opaque.
    • Remove the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
  3. Brown the Sausage:
    • Add a little more olive oil to the same skillet and add the sliced sausage. Cook until nicely browned and caramelized, about 4-5 minutes.
    • Remove to the same plate as the shrimp.
  4. Cook the Pasta:
    • Meanwhile, cook the fettuccine pasta in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve a little pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  5. Sauté the Vegetables:
    • Lower the skillet heat to medium and drizzle with a bit more olive oil. Add the onion, red bell pepper, Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt.
    • Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions and peppers soften. Scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
    • Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  6. Make the Sauce:
    • Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir well to combine, scraping up any remaining brown bits.
    • Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Combine and Serve:
    • Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and blended into the sauce.
    • Add the cooked pasta and sausage back to the pan. Toss to combine and heat through, about 2-3 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
    • Finally, add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and gently toss to incorporate.
  8. Garnish and Serve:
    • Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

  • Full of Flavor: The bold Cajun spices, creamy sauce, and savory sausage make this dish irresistible.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
  • Restaurant-Quality at Home: You’ll feel like you’re dining at your favorite Cajun restaurant!

Tips for Success

  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels in the sauce.
  • Don’t overcook the shrimp—they only need a couple of minutes per side.
  • For extra heat, sprinkle a pinch of Cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

This Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta is creamy, comforting, and packed with irresistible flavor. Be prepared—you’ll want seconds (or thirds)! 🍤🍝

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