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Quick Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Andouille Sausage

Quick Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta - featured image
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A quick and satisfying creamy Cajun shrimp pasta with smoky andouille sausage, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners. This dish balances creaminess with authentic Cajun spice and smoky depth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) fettuccine or linguine pasta (can substitute gluten-free pasta)
  • 12 oz (340 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 oz (225 g) andouille sausage, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup (120 ml) pasta water.
  2. Slice andouille sausage into thin rounds. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook sausage for 4-5 minutes until browned and crispy. Remove sausage and set aside, leaving rendered fat in pan.
  3. Season shrimp with salt and 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning. Add shrimp to skillet and cook 2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to skillet. Once melted, sauté diced onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Simmer gently for 4-5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Return sausage and shrimp to skillet. Add drained pasta and toss to combine. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce is too thick.
  7. Remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
  8. Serve immediately, optionally with a green salad or crusty bread.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Use rendered fat from sausage for sautéing aromatics for smoky depth. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and butter with olive oil. Andouille sausage can be substituted with kielbasa or smoked sausage.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp pasta, creamy pasta, andouille sausage recipe, quick dinner, spicy pasta, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://noshbelle.com/quick-creamy-cajun-shrimp-pasta-with-andouille-sausage-recipe-easy-and-delicious/