Description
This Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta is a flavorful and hearty dish combining spicy Cajun-seasoned shrimp and smoked sausage with creamy tomato sauce, tender fettuccine, and sautéed vegetables. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it brings a delicious taste of Cajun cuisine to your table in just 35 minutes.
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 thoroughly and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage: In the same skillet, add the sliced smoked sausage and cook it until browned and heated through. Remove the sausage and set aside with the shrimp.
- Sauté the Aromatics: To the skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the Bell Pepper: Add the sliced bell pepper to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and drained diced tomatoes. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to allow the flavors to meld.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked shrimp and sausage to the skillet. Stir them into the creamy sauce and cook for another 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through and well coated with the sauce.
- Mix with Pasta: Add the cooked fettuccine pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce, shrimp, and sausage. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated with the flavorful sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve the Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta warm for a comforting and spicy meal.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- If you prefer, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less rich.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Shrimp can be substituted with chicken or scallops based on your preference.
- Ensure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
