Description
This Creamy Cajun Pasta with Shrimp and Sausage is the ultimate comfort food with a bold, Southern twist! Tender shrimp and smoky sausage are tossed in a rich, creamy Cajun-spiced sauce with sautéed peppers and onions, then served over perfectly cooked pasta. Every bite is packed with flavor, heat, and heartiness — making it an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing weekend treat. Ready in under 40 minutes, this one-pan meal is as satisfying as it is simple.
Ingredients
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Pasta: 12 ounces of fettuccine or penne pasta
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Shrimp: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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Sausage: 6 ounces andouille or smoked sausage, thinly sliced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced
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1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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2-3 cloves garlic, minced
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Seasonings:
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1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
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1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Sauce:
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1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
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1 teaspoon brown sugar
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2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Garnish:
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Fresh parsley, chopped
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Additional grated Parmesan cheese
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Instructions
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Prepare the Pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
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Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well coated.
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Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
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Cook the Sausage: In the same skillet, add the sliced sausage. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the sausage is browned and slightly crispy. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside with the shrimp.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the sliced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
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Prepare the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, and brown sugar to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes.
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Incorporate Parmesan: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
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Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and sausage to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and proteins are well coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
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Season to Taste: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning as desired.
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Serve: Divide the pasta among serving plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
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Adjusting Spice Level: Cajun seasoning can vary in heat. Start with the suggested amounts and adjust according to your heat preference.
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Sausage Options: Andouille sausage is traditional in Cajun cuisine, but you can substitute it with other smoked sausages if preferred.
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Pasta Choices: While fettuccine and penne are recommended, feel free to use other pasta shapes like linguine or bowtie.
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Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.
Enjoy your homemade Creamy Cajun Pasta with Shrimp and Sausage!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
