Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage
Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage
Bring bold Southern flavor to your dinner table with this Cajun Shrimp Pasta. Juicy shrimp and smoky sausage pair with creamy, spiced sauce and tender pasta to create a dish that’s both indulgent and full of personality. With just the right amount of heat and richness, it’s a perfect one-pan meal for weeknights or guests.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Large shrimp, peeled and deveined | 1 lb |
| Kosher salt | To taste |
| Freshly cracked black pepper | To taste |
| Cajun or Creole seasoning | 1 tsp (shrimp) + 4 tsp (sauce) |
| Dried oregano | ½ tsp |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp (plus more as needed) |
| Andouille or smoked sausage, sliced thin | 6 oz |
| Fettuccine pasta | 10 oz |
| Yellow onion, thinly sliced | ½ |
| Red bell pepper, thinly sliced | 1 |
| Brown sugar | 1 tsp |
| Garlic, minced | 2–3 cloves |
| Crushed tomatoes | ½ cup |
| Sodium-free chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ⅔ cup |
| Chopped parsley | 1 tbsp (plus more for garnish) |
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp
Toss shrimp with salt, pepper, 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, and oregano. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp 2 minutes per side until just cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside. - Brown the Sausage
Add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add sliced sausage to the skillet and cook until browned and crisped around the edges, about 4–5 minutes. Transfer sausage to the plate with the shrimp. - Cook Pasta
While the sausage cooks, boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Sauté Vegetables
Lower heat to medium and add more oil if necessary. Add onion, bell pepper, 4 tsp Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. - Make the Sauce
Pour in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it reduce slightly, about 2–3 minutes. - Finish the Dish
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Add pasta and sausage to the skillet and toss to coat. Warm everything through, then gently fold in the shrimp. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. - Serve
Dish up immediately and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve with garlic bread or a crisp side salad if desired.
