Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound of Andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 pound of pasta (penne or fettuccine works well)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups of heavy cream
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

• Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Season the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a bowl, season the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
  3. Sear the Sausage and Shrimp: In a large skillet or pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
  4. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic, diced onion, and sliced bell peppers until they soften, about 3-4 minutes. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the remaining Cajun seasoning, paprika, dried thyme, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste.
  6. Simmer and Thicken: Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
  7. Bring it All Together: Add the cooked pasta, seared sausage, and shrimp into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is well coated with the sauce and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
  8. Serve: Garnish the Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta with chopped fresh parsley. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

  This dish offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures with the perfect blend of Cajun spices. It’s ideal for a family dinner or entertaining guests, providing a satisfying and comforting meal.

  Enjoy your flavorful Cajun-inspired pasta creation!