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

Scale

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)

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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