Creamy Cajun Pasta with Succulent Shrimp and Spicy Sausage

Creamy Cajun Pasta with Succulent Shrimp and Spicy Sausage

Ingredients:

• 12 oz (340g) linguine or your preferred pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 12 oz (340g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz (225g) spicy sausage (Andouille or chorizo), sliced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta:
   In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sear the shrimp:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Sear the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
3. Cook the sausage:
   In the same skillet, add the sliced sausage. Cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside with the shrimp.
4. Sauté the vegetables:
   In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the onions, red bell pepper, and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Create the sauce:
   Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Add cheese and combine:
   Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Add the cooked shrimp and sausage back to the skillet and mix to coat them in the sauce.
7. Toss with pasta:
   Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy Cajun sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water or more broth to reach your desired consistency.
8. Season and serve:
   Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Serve hot, and enjoy this spicy, creamy Cajun pasta with shrimp and sausage!