Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage

Here’s a bold and comforting recipe for Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage — spicy, smoky, and luxuriously creamy. It’s a one-pan Southern-style dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor! 🍤🌶️🍝

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🍝 Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage

🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the pasta:

• 300–350 g (10–12 oz) penne or fettuccine

• Salted water, for boiling

For the protein:

• 250 g (½ lb) large shrimp, peeled & deveined

• 200 g (7 oz) smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa), sliced

• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade — see below)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp butter

For the creamy sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small onion or shallot, diced

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)

• ½ cup chicken broth

• ½ cup grated Parmesan

• Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (if you want more kick)

• Salt & pepper to taste

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🔥 Instructions

1. Cook the pasta:

• Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

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2. Season and cook the shrimp:

1. Toss shrimp with 1 tbsp of Cajun seasoning.

2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and cook shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until just pink. Remove and set aside.

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3. Cook the sausage:

• In the same skillet, melt butter and add sausage slices.

• Sauté until browned (about 4–5 minutes). Remove and set aside with shrimp.

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4. Build the sauce:

1. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium.

2. Add diced onion and garlic; sauté until soft and fragrant (2–3 min).

3. Stir in cream, chicken broth, and remaining 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning.

4. Simmer 3–4 minutes, then add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and thickened.

5. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.

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5. Combine everything:

1. Add cooked pasta, shrimp, and sausage into the sauce.

2. Toss to coat — add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen.

3. Simmer 1–2 minutes to bring everything together.

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🌿 Garnish & Serve:

• Top with chopped parsley

• Extra Parmesan

• Squeeze of lemon (optional for brightness)

• Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast

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🌶️ Homemade Cajun Seasoning (Optional)

Mix:

• 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp oregano

• ½ tsp thyme

• ½ tsp cayenne (or more for heat)

• ½ tsp salt & ¼ tsp black pepper

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Would you like a dairy-free, low-carb, or one-pot version of this recipe?