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Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta - Creamy and packed with Southern flavor!

Picture tender shrimp, crispy bites of smoked sausage, and pasta wrapped in a luxuriously creamy, spicy Cajun sauce that’s full of flavor and just the right amount of heat.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 10.5 oz 300 g pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ lb 225 g shrimp
  • ½ lb 225 g smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 large shallot finely diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper sliced
  • 2 large garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 ½ cup low-sodium chicken stock
  • 1 cup half and half
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan
  • A handful fresh parsley roughly chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it and cook the pasta al dente according to the directions on the package. Reserve 1-2 cups of pasta water before draining.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep pan and cook the shrimp for 3-4 minutes over medium heat, flipping them halfway. Take the shrimp out of the pan and set it aside.
  3. Add the smoked sausage to the same pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly crispy. Take the sausage out of the pan with a slotted spoon and set it aside.
  4. Add the shallot and red bell pepper to the same pan and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Next, add the garlic and continue to cook for a further minute.
  6. Stir in the Cajun seasoning and tomato paste, then add the chicken stock to deglaze the pan.
  7. Add the half and half, stir to combine and allow the sauce to bubble for 2-3 minutes on low heat.
  8. Add the cooked shrimp and smoked sausage back to the pan and stir to combine.
  9. Transfer the cooked pasta to the pan and toss to cover it in the sauce. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if it looks too thick.
  10. Stir in the grated Parmesan and fresh parsley, adjust the seasoning and serve immediately.

Notes

Make It Spicier: Add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
Add Veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or even zucchini can be stirred in for added nutrition.