Why You’ll Love This Spicy Cajun Pasta
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level to your preference!
- Bold and Flavorful: The Cajun seasoning adds a smoky, spicy punch.
- Protein-Packed: A combination of beef sausage and jumbo shrimp makes it hearty and satisfying.
- Creamy and Dreamy: The luscious cream sauce ties everything together.
Tools You’ll Need
- Colander
- Large pot for pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Tongs or spatula
Spicy Cajun Pasta with Beef Sausage & Jumbo Shrimp
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
This Spicy Cajun Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish loaded with tender beef sausage, succulent jumbo shrimp, and a kick of Cajun spice. It’s the perfect comfort meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough to impress guests.
Ingredients
For the Protein:
- ½ lb (225g) beef sausage, sliced
- ½ lb (225g) jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 8 oz (225g) fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Shrimp
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the beef sausage slices and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the shrimp. Season lightly with salt and Cajun seasoning, and cook for 2 minutes per side or until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. Sauté the onion, garlic, and bell peppers until softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the vegetables. Stir well.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta, beef sausage, and shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Transfer the pasta to plates or a serving dish. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: They cook quickly, so remove them as soon as they turn pink to keep them tender.
- Adjust the Spice: For a milder dish, reduce the Cajun seasoning and omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use another type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Any pasta shape works well, including penne, rigatoni, or linguine.
Q2: What if I can’t find Cajun seasoning?
A: Make your own with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano.
Q3: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Yes, substitute the cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
Conclusion: A Flavor-Packed Favorite
Spicy Cajun Pasta with Beef Sausage & Jumbo Shrimp is a bold, comforting dish that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.
Did you try this recipe? Share your photos and tag us with #CajunPastaLove!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 450
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 4g
Enjoy every bite of this spicy, creamy pasta delight!
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