Description
This Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta is a flavorful and hearty dish combining spicy Cajun-seasoned shrimp, smoky sausage, and tender fettuccine pasta all tossed in a creamy tomato sauce. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that balances bold spices with comforting creaminess, garnished with fresh parsley for a bright finishing touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
Protein
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside for later.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook them until they turn pink and are opaque inside, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage: In the same skillet, add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned and slightly crisped, then remove and set aside with the shrimp.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook over medium heat until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Bell Pepper: Incorporate the sliced bell pepper into the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until it softens slightly.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and drained diced tomatoes. Stir in the Cajun seasoning and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked shrimp and sausage to the skillet with the sauce. Stir well to coat them evenly and cook together for an additional 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Mix with Pasta: Add the cooked fettuccine into the skillet. Toss thoroughly to combine the pasta with the creamy Cajun sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy this flavorful Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta immediately for the best taste.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute smoked sausage with andouille sausage for an even more authentic Cajun flavor.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as they can become rubbery; remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice color contrast and fresh flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
