Welcome to our mouthwatering recipe for Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage Delish! This delectable dish combines the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning, succulent shrimp, and savory sausage with perfectly cooked pasta. With a hint of spice and a burst of deliciousness, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to treat yourself to a flavorful meal, this Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage Delish recipe is the perfect choice.
Equipment
To prepare this scrumptious Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage Delish recipe, you’ll need the following equipment:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Deep skillet or frying pan
- Sharp knife for chopping ingredients
- Cutting board
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Tongs for tossing shrimp and sausage
- Grater (optional for grating Parmesan cheese)
- Serving dish or individual plates
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of pasta (linguine or fettuccine works well)
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces of smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: In the large pot add water and a pinch of the salt, and boil it. Follow the directions mentioned on the package until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté the shrimp and sausage: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sausage to the pan, then sprinkle them with Cajun seasoning. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and the sausage is browned. Remove the shrimp and sausage from the pan and set them aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté until they become tender, usually around 5 minutes. Cook for an additional minute by stirring in the minced garlic. Pour in the diced tomatoes (including the juice) and the dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add the cream and combine: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to incorporate it with the tomato mixture. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine the ingredients: Add the cooked shrimp and sausage back into the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the shrimp and sausage through.
- Serve and garnish: Transfer the Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage Delish to a serving dish or individual plates. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage Delish with a side of garlic bread or crusty French bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Pair it with a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
- For a complete meal, serve this pasta dish alongside roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or zucchini.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage Delish recipe brings together the spicy kick of Cajun seasoning, succulent shrimp, and savory sausage, all enveloped in a creamy and flavorful sauce. With a perfect balance of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple cooking instructions, and treat yourself to a delightful meal that combines the best of Cajun flavors with the comfort of pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use other pasta varieties like penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.
Can I make this recipe less spicy?
If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or opt for a mild Cajun seasoning blend. You can always adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
If you want to make a lighter version of this dish, you can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and a thickening agent like cornstarch or flour. Keep in mind that the sauce’s consistency and flavor may vary slightly.
How can I determine when the shrimp is fully cooked??
Shrimp turns pink and opaque when fully cooked. Do not overcook it, as it can become tough and rubbery.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones?
While canned diced tomatoes provide convenience and consistent flavor, you can certainly use fresh tomatoes. Simply peel and chop them before adding them to the sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This dish is best served immediately after preparation to maintain the optimal texture and flavor. However, you can prepare the sauce in advance and cook the pasta just before serving. Combine them at the last minute to ensure the best taste and texture.
Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Deep skillet or frying pan
- Sharp knife for chopping ingredients
- Cutting board
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Tongs for tossing shrimp and sausage
- Grater (optional for grating Parmesan cheese)
- Serving dish or individual plates
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of pasta (linguine or fettuccine works well)
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces of smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: In the large pot add water and a pinch of the salt, and boil it. Follow the directions mentioned on the package until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté the shrimp and sausage: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sausage to the pan, then sprinkle them with Cajun seasoning. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and the sausage is browned. Remove the shrimp and sausage from the pan and set them aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté until they become tender, usually around 5 minutes. Cook for an additional minute by stirring in the minced garlic. Pour in the diced tomatoes (including the juice) and the dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add the cream and combine: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to incorporate it with the tomato mixture. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine the ingredients: Add the cooked shrimp and sausage back into the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the shrimp and sausage through.
- Serve and garnish: Transfer the Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage Delish to a serving dish or individual plates. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
