Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage
Ingredients
- ½ pound large shrimp
peeled and deveined, tails removed
- 1 andouille sausage
about ½ pound, sliced into rounds
- 1 - 2 tablespoons cajun/creole spice mix
adjust to your spice/heat level
- Olive oil
- ½ medium yellow onion
thinly sliced
- ½ red bell pepper
thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon cajun/creole spice mix
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 - 2 cloves garlic
finely chopped, 1 large or 2 small
- ½ cup crushed tomatoes
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ cup heavy cream
or ½ & ½, I prefer heavy cream!!
- 12 ounces fettuccine or farfalle
bowties
- Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper
- Grated Parmesan and chopped parsley
for serving
Directions
- 1
Bring large pot of water to boil for pasta. Toss shrimp with 1 - 2 tablespoons of cajun seasoning and coat well. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and drizzle bottom of pan with olive oil. Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes or so until starting to curl. Flip shrimp over and cook another minute or two and then remove to a plate and set aside. Drizzle pan with a little more olive oil, add sausage and brown until nicely caramelized, about 4 - 5 minutes. Remove to plate, set aside.
- 2
Add pasta to salted boiling water and cook until al dente, a minute less than package instructions.
- 3
Lower heat to medium and add another good drizzle of olive oil to the pan, add the onion, red bell pepper, thyme, smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning, brown sugar and a generous pinch of salt. Sauté until onion and pepper have softened a bit, scraping up any browned bits that you can. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- 4
Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce and bring to a simmer, stirring and scraping up any brown bits from bottom of pan, simmer a couple minutes. Add cream and stir to combine, bring to a simmer. Once simmering, add cooked pasta and andouille sausage and stir to combine and heat through, 2 - 3 minutes. Add more chicken broth or cream if it seems dry or you'd like more sauce (I added ¼ cup of each). Salt and pepper to taste and then lastly, add blackened shrimp and combine, or place shrimp on top of pasta. Sprinkle with some more freshly cracked black pepper, grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Enjoy!
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage
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About this Recipe
Looking for a rich, comforting pasta dish that delivers a kick of flavor without spending hours in the kitchen? This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage brings the vibrant tastes of the bayou right to your table, offering a satisfying meal that’s both indulgent and easy to prepare.
The magic in this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage lies in its bold flavor profile. Blackened shrimp, savory andouille sausage, and a rich, spicy cream sauce come together in perfect harmony. It’s a symphony of smoky, spicy, and creamy notes that elevates everyday pasta into something truly special.
Get ready for a rich and comforting bowl where every forkful bursts with flavor. You'll experience the succulent texture of perfectly cooked shrimp and the delightful chew of andouille sausage, all coated in a velvety sauce that's balanced with the aromatic notes of dried thyme, smoked paprika, and a touch of brown sugar. The subtle warmth from the Cajun spice blend, combined with the tang of crushed tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce, creates a deeply satisfying experience. This dish is hearty and incredibly flavorful, making it a perfect choice when you crave a substantial, yet elegantly simple, meal.
While this recipe shines with its classic combination, you have options to tailor it to your pantry and preferences. You can easily adjust the Cajun/Creole spice mix to your desired heat level, making it as fiery or as mild as you like. For the pasta, choose between classic fettuccine for a traditional ribbon-like texture or farfalle (bowties) for a fun, hearty bite. If you're aiming for a slightly lighter touch, the recipe notes that half & half can be used in place of heavy cream, though the latter provides the ultimate richness.
This hearty dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a cozy gathering with friends. Serve it garnished generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a bright, herbaceous finish.