Description
A quick and creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage that blends tender shrimp, smoky andouille sausage, and a rich, spicy sauce perfect for busy weeknights. This flavorful one-pan dish features bold Cajun spices, al dente penne pasta, and a luscious cream sauce finished with Parmesan and fresh parsley for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb fresh or thawed, peeled, and deveined shrimp
- 8 oz andouille sausage, sliced
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Oils
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
Seasonings & Garnishes
- 2–3 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving one cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Cook the Sausage and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy. Toss in diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Push the sausage and vegetables to the side of the pan. Add the shrimp seasoned with Cajun seasoning. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Stir everything together to combine flavors.
- Make the Sauce: Pour heavy cream into the pan, stirring to blend with the sausage juices and vegetables. Add extra Cajun seasoning if desired. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in small amounts of reserved pasta water to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
- Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until melted through. Remove the pan from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.
Notes
- Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Cook shrimp just until opaque to avoid rubbery texture.
- Taste the sauce before adding more Cajun seasoning to balance the spice level.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce thickness and help it cling to the pasta.
- Use quality andouille or smoked sausage with good fat content for depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg