Craving a delicious, satisfying meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This Cajun Shrimp Sausage Pasta is the perfect recipe for busy weeknights. It's bursting with bold Cajun flavors, tender shrimp, savory sausage, and perfectly cooked pasta – all coming together in a symphony of deliciousness. This easy recipe is perfect for homemade cooking and offers a healthy twist on classic pasta dishes. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this quick dinner idea!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound linguine or other pasta of your choice
- 1 pound Andouille sausage, sliced (or your favorite spicy sausage)
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup heavy cream for a richer sauce
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and Cajun seasoning and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes per side.
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Combine Everything: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, and reserved pasta water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken. If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in the heavy cream at this point.
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Serve: Stir in the cooked pasta and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Cajun Shrimp Sausage Pasta!
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Adjust the spice level: If you're sensitive to spice, start with less Cajun seasoning and add more to taste. You can also substitute a milder sausage.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables will make a noticeable difference in the flavor of your dish.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
- Use different pasta: This recipe works well with other pasta shapes like penne, fettuccine, or rotini.
- Make it creamy: Adding heavy cream or a splash of milk will create a richer, creamier sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 (depending on ingredients and portion size)
- Protein: Approximately 25-30 grams
- Fat: Approximately 20-25 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50 grams
This Cajun Shrimp Sausage Pasta recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. It's a perfect healthy meal that's quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a casual weekend dinner. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying dish!