🍤 Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage
Ingredients (serves 4)
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12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or linguine)
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1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
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8 oz smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa), sliced
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Cook pasta:
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Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Cook sausage:
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In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
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Add sliced sausage and cook until browned and slightly crisp. Remove from skillet and set aside.
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Cook shrimp:
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Add remaining olive oil to the skillet.
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Toss shrimp with 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, then cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside with sausage.
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Make sauce:
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In the same skillet, add onions and bell pepper. Sauté until soft (about 5 minutes).
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Add garlic, remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
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Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens slightly (about 3-5 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
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Combine:
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Return shrimp and sausage to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce.
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Add cooked pasta and mix well until everything is combined and heated through.
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Serve:
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Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions. Serve hot!
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Tips
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For extra veggies, add mushrooms or spinach.
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Adjust Cajun seasoning to your heat preference.
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Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Want a spicy shrimp-only version or a one-pot creamy Cajun pasta recipe?
