Creamy Cajun Pasta with Spicy Sausage and Delectable Shrimp

Table of Contents

Components:

Regarding the pasta:

Regarding the Cajun sausage and shrimp:

Half a pound of peeled and deveined shrimp
Half a pound of sliced andouille sausage or any other spicy sausage (if you don’t mind the spice, you can use Italian sausage instead).
One tablespoon of homemade or store-bought Cajun seasoning
Half a teaspoon smoked paprika
A half-tsp of garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon powdered onion
To taste, add salt and black pepper.
Two tablespoons of butter or olive oil for cooking

Regarding the Cajun Creamy Sauce:

Prepare the pasta:

Bring a big pot of water that has been salted to a boil. Pasta should be cooked for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente, as directed on the package.
Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water beforehand.

Prepare the sausage and shrimp:

Add 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the shrimp while the pasta cooks.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the sausage slices for 3–4 minutes, or until they are crispy and browned. Take out and place aside from the skillet.
Add another tablespoon of butter or oil to the same skillet. Add the seasoned shrimp and fry until opaque and pink, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Along with the sausage, take the shrimp out of the skillet and place them aside.

Prepare the Cajun Creamy Sauce:

Lower the heat to medium in the same skillet. Add one tablespoon of butter or olive oil, and cook the chopped onion for two to three minutes, or until it is tender.
Cook for a further 30 seconds after adding the minced garlic, or until aromatic.
Add the Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer after giving it a good stir. Simmer the sauce for three to five minutes, or until it slightly thickens.
Add salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and Cajun flavor. If necessary, taste and adjust the seasoning.

Mix the protein and pasta together:

Toss the cooked pasta to ensure it is equally coated after adding it to the skillet with the sauce. Add a small amount of the pasta water you set aside to thin out the sauce if it’s too thick until you have the consistency you want.
Return the shrimp and cooked sausage to the skillet and stir gently to mix everything together.

Serve:

If preferred, top the bowls of creamy Cajun pasta with more Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

Advice:

For more heat: When combining the pasta and sauce, you can add a dab of hot sauce or more Cajun seasoning if you prefer your food extra spicy.
Use milk or half-and-half in place of heavy cream for a lighter version. For a less-fat option, you can alternatively use turkey sausage.
Customize it: For added taste and texture, feel free to use different proteins, such as chicken, or even veggies, like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms.