Name: Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 8 ounces fettuccine; 12 ounces large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, divided; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 ring (13.5 ounces) smoked sausage, cut into ¼-inch pieces; ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; 2 cups (476 g) heavy whipping cream; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper; 1 cup (100 g) parmesan cheese, grated; Parsley, for garnish

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The air is filled with the tantalizing aroma of smoky sausage and spicy Cajun seasoning, beckoning you to the kitchen. Picture a vibrant plate of fettuccine swirling with perfectly juicy shrimp, all coated in a rich, creamy sauce that glistens invitingly. Your mouth waters at the thought of each bite delivering a burst of flavor, complemented by a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It’s the kind of dish that elevates dinner from mundane to memorable, perfect for a cozy night in or a festive gathering with friends.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta

One of my fondest memories is from a warm summer evening, lingering over a homemade Cajun shrimp and sausage pasta with loved ones, laughing and sharing stories as we savored every bite. It’s these moments that remind me how food brings us together—it’s comfort and joy on a plate. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a weekend celebration, making this scrumptious Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta is a sure way to create lasting memories. Ready to spice things up? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip this up in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
Irresistible Flavor: The smoky sausage and spicy Cajun seasoning come together for a deliciously bold taste.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This dish not only tastes amazing but looks stunning on the dinner table, making it a showstopper.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for a family dinner, a casual gathering, or impressing guests at a dinner party.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free fettuccine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 ounces fettuccine: Choose fresh or dried. Fettuccine’s wide shape captures the creamy sauce perfectly. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
12 ounces large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh shrimp adds a sweet, briny flavor. If unavailable, frozen shrimp works great—just thaw it first!
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, divided: This blend of spices delivers that signature kick. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: Adds flavor and helps sear the sausage beautifully. Can be swapped with any cooking oil.
1 ring (13.5 ounces) smoked sausage, cut into ¼-inch pieces: The smokiness pairs beautifully with the shrimp. Turkey or chicken sausage can be used for a lighter option.
¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter: It helps create a rich, creamy sauce. You can substitute with margarine or a plant-based alternative if needed.
1 tablespoon garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives an aromatic punch. Always opt for fresh over powdered for the best flavor.
2 cups (476 g) heavy whipping cream: It makes the sauce luxuriously creamy. For a lighter version, use half-and-half, but it won’t be quite as rich.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish. Adjust to taste as sausage can vary in saltiness.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground adds a touch of heat. Use more if you like it spicy!
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper: Gives an extra kick; adjust forward to add more spice as desired.
1 cup (100 g) parmesan cheese, grated: The ultimate crowning glory; it adds depth and flavor. Parmesan can be replaced with pecorino or nutritional yeast for variations.
Parsley, for garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness.

How to Make Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta

Boil the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the water is bubbling, add the fettuccine and cook it until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes—refer to the package instructions for specific timing. Just before draining, remember to reserve ½ cup of that precious pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.

Season the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels—they should be juicy, not watery. Sprinkle half of the Cajun seasoning over them for that burst of flavor, and set them aside as you prepare the sausage.

Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and wait until it shimmers—this indicates it’s hot enough. Toss in the smoked sausage pieces and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and slightly crispy. Transfer the sausage to a plate, covering it with foil to keep warm and flavorful.

Cook the Shrimp: In that same skillet, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Sauté them for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked through, take them out and set them aside with the sausage.

Sauté the Garlic: Add the butter to the skillet, letting it melt over medium heat. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. This step is crucial—the aroma will ignite your appetite!

Create the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly and bring the sauce to a gentle boil, occasionally stirring. Just wait until it’s bubbling around the edges—this indicates it’s thickening up nicely.

Incorporate Parmesan: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 6-8 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the consistency to thicken. Once it’s creamy and smooth, stir in the grated parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce becomes irresistibly rich.

Combine All Ingredients: Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked fettuccine, sausage, and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together gently, coating the pasta in the luscious sauce. If you find the sauce too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.

Garnish and Serve: To finish, sprinkle the dish with chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve hot, and watch as everyone delights in the sight and scent of your **Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta**!

Storing & Reheating

To store any leftovers, let the pasta cool and place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to 3 days. If you want to keep it for longer, consider freezing; it holds well for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to bring back that creamy texture. Keep in mind that the shrimp might lose some of their tenderness during storage, but the overall flavor remains delightful.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the shrimp; they should turn pink and be opaque in the center. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
If using frozen shrimp, ensure it is fully thawed and patted dry to maintain the dish’s integrity.
For extra creaminess, consider adding a dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone into the sauce.
To enhance flavor, let the sausage caramelize slightly, creating those lovely brown bits that add depth to your sauce.
Try making this dish ahead of time; it tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together.
Experiment with additional veggies, like bell peppers or spinach, for a pop of color and a nutrient boost!

The Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta is a versatile and scrumptious dish that brings warmth and flavor to your table. It’s a celebration of spices and creamy goodness that you can enjoy for dinner parties or cozy nights at home. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or make it your own, this pasta is sure to become a favorite. So, let’s get cooking and enjoy every flavorful moment!

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute other types of pasta for fettuccine?

Absolutely! While fettuccine gives this dish a lovely texture, you can swap it out for penne, linguine, or even gluten-free pasta if you prefer. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose.

How spicy is this Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta?

The spiciness of the dish largely depends on the Cajun seasoning you use and the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder flavor, feel free to reduce the seasoning or use a milder blend. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance for you!

Can this dish be made dairy-free?

Yes, to make a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative. For cheese, opt for a plant-based parmesan or nutritional yeast. These swaps will change the flavor but can still yield a delicious result!

What can I serve with Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta?

This pasta dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad, crusty garlic bread, or a refreshing vegetable medley. A chilled glass of white wine or iced tea can also complement those bold flavors nicely!