Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Andouille Sausage is a flavorful and hearty dish that brings together the bold and spicy flavors of Cajun cuisine with the creamy richness of a pasta dish. This dish is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinner with a combination of shrimp, Andouille sausage, and perfectly cooked pasta, all coated in a creamy, zesty sauce. The Cajun seasoning infuses the shrimp and sausage with a kick of heat, while the creamy sauce balances it with a luscious texture that coats every bite of pasta. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this Cajun shrimp pasta is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz Andouille sausage, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz penne pasta, cooked
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1:
Start by preparing the shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined, removing any shells and tails. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Slice the Andouille sausage into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick, and set aside.
Step 2:
Cook the pasta. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Make sure not to overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce later.
Step 3:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced Andouille sausage. Cook the sausage until it’s browned on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes. The sausage will release some of its fat and flavor into the oil, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 4:
In the same skillet, using the leftover oil from the sausage, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté them until they are soft and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once softened, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until the garlic becomes aromatic, making sure it doesn’t burn.
Step 5:
Add the shrimp to the skillet along with the Cajun seasoning and paprika. Stir to coat the shrimp evenly with the spices. Cook the shrimp for 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough if cooked too long.
Step 6:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine all the flavors. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. The cream will blend with the seasonings to create a rich, flavorful sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
Step 7:
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the cooked penne pasta, the browned Andouille sausage, and the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce, and the sausage and shrimp are evenly distributed. Let the mixture cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 8:
Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as necessary. If you prefer more heat, you can add additional Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Step 9:
Once everything is well combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the pasta with fresh parsley for a pop of color and an added layer of freshness.
Cooking Note:
- Spice Level Adjustment: Cajun seasoning can vary in heat level depending on the brand you use. If you prefer a milder dish, start with half a tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and taste before adding more. You can always increase the spice level by adding more seasoning or a dash of hot sauce if desired.
- Andouille Sausage Substitute: If you cannot find Andouille sausage, you can substitute it with another smoked sausage or chorizo. Both will give a similar smoky flavor to the dish.
- Cream Consistency: For a lighter version, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half, but this will result in a thinner sauce. If you prefer a very thick sauce, you can let the cream reduce for a longer time or add a little cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) to the sauce to thicken it quickly.
Serving Suggestions:
This Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Andouille Sausage is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few side dishes for an even more satisfying dining experience. Here are some ideas:
- Serve it with a side of garlic bread to mop up the creamy sauce.
- Pair it with a light green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
- A side of steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, would add a nice texture contrast and an extra dose of healthy greens.
- For a more indulgent touch, top the pasta with extra grated Parmesan cheese right before serving.
Tips:
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will give the best texture and flavor to this dish. If you are using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
- Do Not Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked. Once they turn pink and opaque, they are done, so be sure to remove them from the heat promptly.
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can dice the vegetables and slice the sausage ahead of time. You can also cook the pasta in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Cajun Seasoning: If you don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand, you can make your own blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 26g
- Sodium: 1200mg
FAQs:
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, while penne is commonly used for this dish, you can substitute it with other pasta types such as fettuccine, rigatoni, or even spaghetti.
Q2: Is this dish very spicy?
It depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. Some brands are spicier than others. You can always adjust the spice level by using less Cajun seasoning or adding more cream to balance the heat.
Q3: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative such as coconut cream or almond milk, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
Conclusion:
Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Andouille Sausage is the ultimate comfort dish for anyone who loves bold flavors with a creamy finish. The perfect blend of seasoned shrimp, smoky sausage, and creamy sauce makes every bite a delight. This dish is quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve to guests. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a delicious, restaurant-worthy meal on your table in just 30 minutes.
Print
Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Andouille Sausage
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz Andouille sausage, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz penne pasta, cooked
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1:
Start by preparing the shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined, removing any shells and tails. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Slice the Andouille sausage into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick, and set aside.
Step 2:
Cook the pasta. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Make sure not to overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce later.
Step 3:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced Andouille sausage. Cook the sausage until it’s browned on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes. The sausage will release some of its fat and flavor into the oil, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 4:
In the same skillet, using the leftover oil from the sausage, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté them until they are soft and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once softened, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until the garlic becomes aromatic, making sure it doesn’t burn.
Step 5:
Add the shrimp to the skillet along with the Cajun seasoning and paprika. Stir to coat the shrimp evenly with the spices. Cook the shrimp for 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough if cooked too long.
Step 6:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine all the flavors. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. The cream will blend with the seasonings to create a rich, flavorful sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
Step 7:
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the cooked penne pasta, the browned Andouille sausage, and the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce, and the sausage and shrimp are evenly distributed. Let the mixture cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 8:
Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as necessary. If you prefer more heat, you can add additional Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Step 9:
Once everything is well combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the pasta with fresh parsley for a pop of color and an added layer of freshness.
Notes
Cooking Note:
- Spice Level Adjustment: Cajun seasoning can vary in heat level depending on the brand you use. If you prefer a milder dish, start with half a tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and taste before adding more. You can always increase the spice level by adding more seasoning or a dash of hot sauce if desired.
- Andouille Sausage Substitute: If you cannot find Andouille sausage, you can substitute it with another smoked sausage or chorizo. Both will give a similar smoky flavor to the dish.
- Cream Consistency: For a lighter version, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half, but this will result in a thinner sauce. If you prefer a very thick sauce, you can let the cream reduce for a longer time or add a little cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) to the sauce to thicken it quickly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Protein: 26g