Welcome to the vibrant and flavorful world of Cajun cuisine, where bold spices and rich ingredients come together to create unforgettable dishes. Our featured recipe, Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage, is a perfect example of this culinary tradition, blending succulent shrimp, smoky sausage, and a medley of colorful vegetables in a creamy, spicy sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish captures the essence of Cajun cooking with its harmonious balance of heat and flavor. The Cajun seasoning, a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, and cayenne pepper, infuses the shrimp and sausage with a deliciously robust taste. Paired with tender fettuccine and a creamy Parmesan sauce, this pasta dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner or a special gathering with friends, Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage is versatile enough to suit any occasion. It’s hearty, satisfying, and bursting with flavors that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
Simple and Quick to Prepare
One of the best aspects of this recipe is how simple and quick it is to prepare. With just a few steps, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in under an hour. The ingredients are straightforward and readily available, making this dish an excellent choice for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
Get Ready to Savor
Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure with our Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage recipe. Follow the step-by-step instructions, and you’ll create a dish that celebrates the spirit of Cajun cooking—bold, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Let’s dive in and start cooking!
Ingredients:
– For the Cajun Seasoning:
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– One teaspoon, or according your taste, cayenne pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– For the Pasta:
– 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
– 12 ounces of your favorite pasta, such as fettuccine
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
– 1/2 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Two tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley (to garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
– Cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Cajun Seasoning:
– In a small bowl, mix together all the ingredients for the Cajun seasoning. Set aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
– Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat.
– Toss the shrimp with 1-2 teaspoons of the Cajun seasoning.
– Cook the shrimp until they are cooked through and pink, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. After taking the shrimp out of the skillet, set it aside.
4. Cook the Sausage:
– Place the cut sausage in the same skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until browned on both sides.
– Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside with the shrimp.
5. Cook the Vegetables:
– To the skillet, add the final tablespoon of olive oil.
– Add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
– Add the minced garlic and heat until fragrant, about one more minute.
6. Prepare the Sauce:
– Pour in the chicken broth and scrape away any brown bits from the pan’s bottom.
– Add the heavy cream and the last of the Cajun spice and stir. Heat through to a simmer.
– Simmer the sauce for a few minutes to slightly thicken it.
7. Combine Everything:
– Fill the skillet with the cooked pasta, sausage, and shrimp. In order to cover everything with sauce, toss.
– Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts and blends thoroughly.
8. Serve:
– Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
– Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips:
– Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your taste, especially if you prefer more or less heat.
– You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream if you prefer a lighter sauce.
– Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, tomatoes, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
Enjoy your homemade Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage!
