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Easy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta


  • Author: Marlene Quinn
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Pescatarian

Description

A flavorful pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp, smoky sausage, and a creamy tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 12 oz smoked or spicy sausage, sliced (andouille or kielbasa)
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or 1 can diced tomatoes (drained)
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup chicken or seafood stock
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente; drain and reserve a cup of pasta water.
  2. Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
  3. Add sliced sausage and sear until browned on both sides, about 3–4 minutes; remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add butter and toss in the onions; sauté until translucent.
  5. Add mushrooms and cook until they start to brown.
  6. Add minced garlic and cook briefly without burning.
  7. Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, then stir.
  8. Pour in stock, scraping up any browned bits, and simmer for a minute.
  9. Add cherry tomatoes and cream; simmer until sauce thickens slightly.
  10. Return the sausage to the pan, then add the shrimp; cook for 2–3 minutes per side until opaque.
  11. Toss the drained pasta into the skillet, adding reserved pasta water to reach a silky consistency.
  12. Finish with lemon zest and juice, folding in the parsley. Season to taste before serving.

Notes

Serve hot with a sprinkle of herbs or grated Parmesan for added richness.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 540
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: Cajun pasta, shrimp and sausage, quick dinner, family recipe