Ingredients:
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) penne pasta or your favorite pasta shape
- 8 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz smoked sausage or Andouille sausage, sliced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to your preferred spice level)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente.
- Drain and set it aside.
Season and Sauté Shrimp and Sausage:
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp and sliced sausage with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning until they are well coated.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned shrimp and sausage to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turns pink and the sausage is browned.
- Remove the shrimp and sausage from the skillet and set them aside.
Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the chopped onion, diced red bell pepper, and diced green bell pepper.
- Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables become tender.
Add Garlic and Deglaze:
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Create the Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Return the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and vegetables.
- Stir to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce.
Add Shrimp and Sausage:
- Gently fold in the cooked shrimp and sausage.
Season and Garnish:
- Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Serve:
- Serve your Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta hot, and enjoy the bold flavors!
This dish is a delightful combination of creamy richness and spicy Cajun heat, making it a flavorful and satisfying meal. Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level, and you'll have a dish that's perfect for spice lovers and comfort food enthusiasts alike.