Description
This Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta is packed with flavor and made with simple ingredients. Perfect for a quick dinner, this dish combines shrimp and sausage in a creamy sauce, delivering a comforting meal that is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces fettuccine
- 12 ounces large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails off)
- 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning, divided
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 ring (13.5 ounces) smoked sausage, cut into ¼-inch pieces
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 cups (476 g) heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 cup (100 g) parmesan cheese, grated
- parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook fettuccine until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Dry the shrimp with paper towels and season with half of the Cajun seasoning. Set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, cook the smoked sausage for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and set aside with the sausage.
- Melt the butter in the skillet over medium heat and cook the garlic for about 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and add the remaining Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir and bring to a gentle boil.
- Lower the heat and simmer the sauce for 6-8 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Stir in parmesan cheese until completely melted and smooth.
- Return the fettuccine, sausage, and shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Ensure the shrimp are patted dry for better seasoning adherence.
For a bit more heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
This dish pairs well with a light salad or garlic bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 655
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 887mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 167mg