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+ servings

creamy cajun shrimp and beef sausage pasta

This one-pot creamy cajun shrimp and beef sausage pasta is a quick, spicy weeknight dinner with bold flavors the whole family will love.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Main Dishes & Entrees, Noodles & Pasta
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 680

Ingredients
  

Shrimp
  • 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
One Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Beef Sausage Pasta
  • 1 lb fettuccine pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil California-grown preferred
  • 1 lb smoked beef sausage, sliced into rounds
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth low-sodium preferred
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups crushed tomatoes canned
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme leaves only or whole sprigs
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning adjust to taste, check salt level
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Method
 

Prep and Cook Pasta
  1. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated. Set aside. Slice the beef sausage into rounds, dice the onion, and mince the garlic. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the fettuccine, and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook Shrimp and Sausage
  1. Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2 to 4 minutes, flipping halfway through, until pink and cooked through. Transfer to a plate. Add the sliced sausage to the pan (add a drizzle more oil if needed) and cook until browned and caramelized on both sides, about 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to the plate with the shrimp.
Build the Sauce
  1. If needed, add another drizzle of olive oil to the pan. Sauté the onion, garlic, and thyme sprigs until fragrant and softened, about 2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, crushed tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer.
Season and Simmer
  1. Let the sauce simmer gently. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (start with less and add to taste), sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix well and let simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes.
Finish and Serve
  1. Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir occasionally for another 5 minutes. Add the cooked pasta and browned sausage, tossing to coat and heat through, about 2 to 3 minutes. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp, then remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley, extra cracked black pepper, and more Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 680kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 35gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 215mgSodium: 1450mgFiber: 5gSugar: 14g

Notes

Cajun seasoning salt content varies by brand; taste yours first and adjust the amount to avoid over-salting. Club House is a reliable choice, but any blend works. Simmering the sauce longer deepens the flavor, so let it bubble gently for a few extra minutes if time allows. The sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes for a smoother sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream. For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich. This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad and crusty sourdough bread.

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