Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Andouille Sausage

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

8 oz Andouille sausage, sliced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced

1 small onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Prepare the Shrimp and Sausage:

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the Andouille sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the shrimp and season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce:

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.

Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.

Combine and Serve:

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If needed, add a bit of reserved pasta water to reach your desired sauce consistency.

Return the cooked sausage and shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine with the pasta and sauce.

Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Garnish with chopped parsley.