Description
Cajun shrimp and sausage alfredo pasta brings bold Southern flavors dancing across creamy linguine noodles. Spicy andouille sausage and succulent Gulf shrimp create a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (453 grams) large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 8 ounces (226 grams) smoked sausage (sliced)
Pasta and Spices:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Sauce and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of generously salted water and cook the pasta until it reaches an al dente texture, ensuring a slight firmness when bitten. Carefully drain and reserve.
- Liberally coat the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, creating a vibrant and spicy exterior. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, then swiftly sear the shrimp until they transform into a beautiful pink color with slight caramelization, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
- Utilize the same skillet to render the sausage slices, allowing them to develop a rich golden-brown crust and release their savory oils.
- Reduce the skillet’s heat and introduce minced garlic and butter, creating an aromatic base. Pour in heavy cream, integrating Parmesan cheese, remaining Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to gently simmer and thicken, creating a luxurious sauce with robust flavor profiles.
- Harmoniously combine the perfectly cooked pasta, seared shrimp, and caramelized sausage into the creamy sauce, ensuring each ingredient is evenly coated and intermingled.
- Elegantly garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley, providing a bright, herbaceous finish. Serve immediately while the pasta remains steaming and the sauce maintains its velvety consistency.
Notes
- Swap protein options easily by using chicken, tofu, or plant-based sausage for dietary preferences.
- Control spice levels by adjusting Cajun seasoning quantity to suit individual heat tolerance.
- Use gluten-free pasta to transform the dish into a celiac-friendly meal without compromising flavor.
- Reduce sauce calories by substituting half-and-half or milk for heavy cream while maintaining creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg