Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together the perfect marriage of zesty Cajun spices, tender shrimp, and savory sausage all wrapped in a creamy sauce. This pasta dish not only packs a punch in flavor but also delivers an appealing combination of textures. The fettuccine, in particular, serves as the ideal canvas, clinging to the luscious sauce while complementing the succulent shrimp and smoky sausage.
Table of Contents
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a lively summer gathering with friends. We were craving something that resembled a taste of Creole cuisine but also embraced a comforting pasta dish. Let me tell you, this Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta was a hit! It’s one of those meals that feels special yet is simple enough to whip up on a weeknight. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser that might make everyone forget about ordering takeout again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 45 minutes, you can have this amazing dinner on the table in no time.
- Irresistible Flavor: A creamy sauce infused with Cajun spices makes for a dish bursting with flavor.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of the shrimp and parsley make this meal as beautiful to look at as it is tasty.
- Flexible Serving: This dish suits any occasion, whether a cozy family dinner or a fancy gathering with friends.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Adaptable for dietary preferences; simply swap the cream for a plant-based alternative for a lighter take.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 ounces fettuccine: A hearty noodle that holds the sauce well. You can use your favorite pasta if fettuccine isn’t available.
- 12 ounces large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails off): Ensure you’re using fresh shrimp for the best flavor. Frozen is fine too; just thaw well before cooking.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, divided: This robust spice mix is key to giving your dish that signature Cajun kick. Feel free to double if you love it spicy.
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: For sautéing the sausage, this oil offers flavor and helps achieve a crisp finish.
- 1 ring (13.5 ounces) smoked sausage, cut into ¼-inch pieces: Smoked sausage brings a wonderful depth of flavor. Chicken sausage is a great substitute if desired.
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter: A rich base that helps create that creamy sauce, enhancing the overall satisfaction of the dish.
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds aromatic depth — don’t skip it!
- 2 cups (476 g) heavy whipping cream: This creamy addition lends a luxurious texture to the sauce. Whole milk can be used in a pinch, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the flavors perfectly. Adjust according to your taste.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Just enough for a subtle kick. Feel free to tweak for a bolder flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper: A pinch of heat to elevate the dish without overwhelming the palate.
- 1 cup (100 g) parmesan cheese, grated: Freshly grated parmesan adds a delightful creaminess and depth to the sauce.
- Parsley, for garnish: Fresh herbs brighten up the whole dish.
How to Make Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta
Boil the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil over medium-high heat. Toss in 8 ounces of fettuccine and cook until al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes, but always check the package for exact timing. Once cooked, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, drain, and set the pasta aside.
Prepare the Shrimp: Pat dry 12 ounces of raw shrimp with paper towels to improve browning. Sprinkle half of the Cajun seasoning over the shrimp, ensuring they’re well coated, and set them aside for now.
Sauté the Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the smoked sausage cut into ¼-inch pieces and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until it’s golden brown and slightly crispy. Once done, transfer the sausage to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the skillet and let them join the sausage.
Sauté the Garlic: Add ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) of unsalted butter into the same skillet. Allow it to melt over medium heat, then toss in 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in 2 cups of heavy whipping cream, followed by the remaining Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper. Stir and gradually bring the sauce to a gentle boil, mixing occasionally.
Thicken the Sauce: Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for 6-8 minutes until it thickens slightly. You want a creamy consistency that clings to the pasta.
Add Cheese: Once the sauce is thickened, stir in 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese and mix until completely melted and smooth. This step elevates the creaminess and flavor of your dish.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked fettuccine, sausage, and shrimp back to the skillet. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is evenly coated in the luxurious sauce. If you find the sauce too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Serve and Garnish: Finally, plate the Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy every bite!
Storing & Reheating
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw in the fridge overnight before warming gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to refresh the texture, as it may thicken in the fridge or freezer.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp; they only need a couple of minutes on each side to ensure they stay tender.
- If you’ve got leftover Cajun seasoning, it’s a great idea to sprinkle some over your pasta right before serving for an extra kick.
- For make-ahead options, prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately until closer to mealtime for the best texture.
- To enhance the flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving; it brightens everything up!
- If you want to add veggies, bell peppers and potatoes work wonderfully in this dish; just sauté them with the sausage.
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta offers a delightful blend of flavors that dance on your palate while being easy to prepare. This is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace at the dinner table, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Don’t hesitate to experiment a bit; perhaps you want to throw in your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to your liking. It’s a dish that invites creativity without compromising on goodness. Enjoy this flavorful creation, and let each bite transport you to your very own culinary adventure!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta for this dish?
Absolutely! While fettuccine works beautifully, feel free to substitute it with other pasta shapes like penne or linguine. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type you choose.
What if I can’t find Cajun seasoning?
No worries! You can easily make your own by mixing spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. Adjust the proportions based on your taste and spice tolerance.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can prepare a dairy-free version by substituting the heavy cream with a coconut cream or almond milk variety. You might want to add in nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese for that extra creaminess.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For extra heat, simply increase the crushed red pepper or add diced jalapeños or green chilies to the sautéed sausage. Just be careful not to overpower the delicate flavors of the shrimp!
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📖 Recipe Card
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
This Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta is a delightful blend of flavors, with tender shrimp, savory smoked sausage, and creamy sauce over fettuccine. Perfect for a quick yet satisfying dinner at home.
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
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Pat shrimp dry and season with half the Cajun seasoning. Set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the oil. Once hot, add the smoked sausage and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and keep warm under foil.
- In the same skillet, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside with the sausage.
- Add butter to the skillet and melt over medium heat. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream, then add the remaining Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer the sauce for 6-8 minutes, thickening slightly.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return the cooked fettuccine, sausage, and shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Adjust the level of Cajun seasoning to your taste for more or less heat.
This dish can be served with a side salad for a complete meal.
For a lighter version, use half and half instead of heavy cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1250mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
