Name: Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 8 ounces fettuccine; 12 ounces large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails off); 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning, divided; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 ring (13.5 ounces) smoked sausage, cut into ¼-inch pieces; ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; 2 cups (476 g) heavy whipping cream; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper; 1 cup (100 g) parmesan cheese, grated; parsley, for garnish

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Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta is the perfect blend of hearty and flavorful, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or impressing guests. Picture this: succulent shrimp and smoky sausage nestled in a creamy, spiced sauce, all tossed together with fettuccine. It’s a delightful combination that brightens the dinner table and satisfies even the hungriest appetites. This recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen—not only because it’s satisfying and delicious, but also because it provides a wonderful balance of flavors that transport you straight to bayou country with each bite.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta

I first discovered this dish while craving something comforting, and it quickly became a staple in my home. It’s both budget-friendly and simple, allowing even novice cooks to whip up something impressive in no time. Plus, the vibrant colors and enticing aromas make this Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you make this dish, you’ll want to share it with friends and family. So roll up your sleeves, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this flavorful adventure together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 45 minutes—perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of Cajun spices, creamy sauce, and savory sausage creates a taste that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This pasta dish not only tastes amazing; it also looks stunning on the plate.
Flexible Serving: Great for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests, it’s versatile for any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapted for gluten-free or dairy-free diets with simple swaps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 ounces fettuccine: This broad pasta allows for maximum sauce coverage and pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy sauce.
12 ounces large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails off): Fresh shrimp is the heart of this dish; feel free to use frozen shrimp if needed, just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking.
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, divided: This spice blend is essential for that classic Cajun flavor—add more or less based on your spice tolerance.
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: Used for sautéing, the olive oil adds flavor while helping the sausage crisp up perfectly.
1 ring (13.5 ounces) smoked sausage, cut into ¼-inch pieces: Choose a good quality smoked sausage for a robust flavor; and if you’re looking for alternatives, turkey sausage works well too.
¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter: This adds richness to the sauce. Don’t substitute with margarine for best results.
1 tablespoon garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor.
2 cups (476 g) heavy whipping cream: The cream acts as the base for the Alfredo-style sauce that envelops the pasta.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors—adjust based on your dietary needs.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat; feel free to adjust for your taste preferences.
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper: For a bit of extra heat—optional but highly recommended for that Cajun kick!
1 cup (100 g) parmesan cheese, grated: This cheese gives a rich and creamy texture to the sauce and complements the spices beautifully.
Parsley, for garnish: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to finish off this delicious dish.

How to Make Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta

Boil Fettuccine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add 8 ounces of fettuccine and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, following the package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Prepare Shrimp: Pat 12 ounces of raw shrimp dry with paper towels. Season them with half of the 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and set aside.

Sauté Sausage: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the smoked sausage cut into ¼-inch pieces. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and slightly crispy. Transfer the sausage to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.

Cook Shrimp: In the same skillet, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turns pink and is cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and combine them with the sausage.

Melt Butter: Add ¼ cup of unsalted butter to the skillet and melt it over medium heat. Once melted, add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Combine Cream and Spices: Pour in 2 cups of heavy whipping cream, then add the remaining ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.

Finish Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until it begins to thicken slightly. Then add 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese and stir until it melts completely and the sauce is smooth.

Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked fettuccine, sausage, and shrimp back to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, feel free to stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Garnish and Serve: Finish the dish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and serve hot, savoring each creamy, flavorful bite!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re looking to keep it longer, freezing is an option; it will stay fresh for up to 3 months when placed in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, simply reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to help restore the creamy texture. Keep in mind that while the flavors will still be delicious, the texture may differ slightly after freezing.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the shrimp; they should be curled and pink. Remove them quickly to prevent a rubbery texture.
For a richer sauce, you might consider mixing in some cream cheese along with the heavy cream.
Timing is crucial; prepping ingredients ahead of time will ensure everything comes together smoothly.
If you want extra heat, consider adding more crushed red pepper or serving with hot sauce on the side.
Experiment with different types of pasta like penne or rigatoni, based on what you have on hand.
This dish can be easily made ahead of time; just reheat gently when you’re ready to serve.

Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta is one delightful dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. The combination of creamy sauce with a spicy kick keeps dinner exciting, and the blend of shrimp and sausage secure that perfect protein punch. Plus, it’s so simple that even on your busiest days, you can have a fabulous meal ready in under an hour. Don’t hesitate to explore different flavors and spices; make it your own! I can’t wait for you to enjoy this dish as much as I do.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp in this recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. A quick run under cold water will do the trick.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter option or a dairy-free alternative, you can use full-fat coconut milk or a blend of half-and-half with some cream cheese for thickness.

How spicy is this dish?

The level of heat depends on the amount of Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper you use. You can always start with less and add more to your taste!

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Swap out the shrimp and sausage for sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms, and use plant-based cream for a vegetarian-friendly version of Cajun shrimp and sausage pasta.

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