Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta (With Sausage)
A comforting dish featuring succulent shrimp, smoked sausage, and a creamy Cajun sauce over pasta, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
- 8 ounces fettuccine or pasta of your choice Can swap for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined Fresh or frozen (thaw beforehand if using frozen)
- 8 ounces smoked sausage, sliced Andouille sausage adds a great kick
Cooking Essentials
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Feel free to use butter for richer flavor
- 1 small onion, finely chopped Yellow or white works beautifully
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Because garlic makes everything better
- 1 bell pepper, sliced Red or green; vibrant colors add to the feast
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream Or substitute with a lighter option, like half-and-half
- 1 cup chicken broth Homemade is great; but store-bought saves time
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Homemade or store-bought; adjust to your spice level
- to taste salt and pepper
- fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Because presentation matters!
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sautéing the Sausage
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, toss in the sliced sausage and cook until browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
Sautéing the Vegetables
- Add chopped onions and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened, around 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
Adding Garlic and Shrimp
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Toss in the shrimp, cooking each side for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
Making the Sauce
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Then add the Cajun seasoning and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the sauce. Add a splash of pasta water if it feels too thick.
Seasoning and Serving
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
Variations include substituting heavy cream for coconut milk for a lighter take, or adding spinach or kale for added nutrition.