Description
Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp and smoky andouille sausage with a creamy, spicy Cajun sauce tossed over perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting meal offers bold Cajun spices balanced with a rich, velvety sauce, ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 1 lb large peeled and deveined shrimp
- 8 oz andouille sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Oils
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Spices
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Peel and devein the shrimp if necessary. Slice the andouille sausage into bite-sized pieces. Chop the bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Having all ingredients prepped beforehand makes cooking smooth and efficient.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain, reserving one cup of pasta water for adjusting the sauce consistency later. Set pasta aside.
- Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add andouille sausage and cook until browned and fragrant. Remove sausage from skillet. In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and bell peppers until softened and slightly caramelized.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet and season with Cajun seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook to avoid rubbery texture.
- Prepare the Creamy Cajun Sauce: Reduce heat to low and pour in heavy cream. Stir to combine with the sautéed vegetables and sausage. Sprinkle in additional Cajun seasoning to taste. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into a thick, velvety sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the shrimp, sausage, and sauce. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it evenly coat the noodles. Mix thoroughly and heat through.
- Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Cajun spice if desired. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for added freshness before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for better flavor and texture.
- Do not overcook the shrimp; remove as soon as they are pink and firm.
- Toast Cajun seasoning briefly during cooking to intensify aroma and flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to thin and help the sauce cling to the pasta perfectly.
- Sauté the vegetables and sausage first to build deeper, layered flavors before adding shrimp and cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
Keywords: Cajun Shrimp Pasta, Sausage Pasta, Creamy Cajun Sauce, Quick Dinner, Spicy Shrimp Pasta, Andouille Sausage Pasta