Description
This Creamy Cajun Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish combining tender penne pasta with spicy Cajun-seasoned shrimp and Andouille sausage, tossed in a rich and creamy sauce made from heavy cream, cream cheese, and a medley of bell peppers and onions. Perfect for a comforting dinner with a southern twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Proteins
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound raw shrimp
- 2 Andouille sausages, sliced into rounds
Seasonings and Vegetables
- 3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 red or orange bell peppers, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Liquids and Dairy
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- Optional – 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Season Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, pat the raw shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Toss the shrimp with 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning to coat evenly.
- Cook Sausage and Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the sliced Andouille sausage and the seasoned shrimp. Cook them together for about 4 to 6 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Remove both from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan. Once heated, add the diced onion and bell peppers. Sprinkle the last teaspoon of Cajun seasoning over the vegetables. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.
- Add Garlic: Stir the minced garlic into the vegetables and cook for 30 seconds while stirring continuously to prevent burning and release the garlic’s aroma.
- Create Sauce: Pour in the vegetable broth, heavy cream, and the reserved pasta cooking water. Add the cream cheese and stir continuously until it is completely melted and incorporated. Increase the heat slightly and let the sauce simmer for 4 to 6 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce and Protein: Add the cooked penne pasta back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta. Then incorporate the chopped fresh parsley along with the cooked shrimp and sausage. Mix gently to combine everything evenly.
- Serve: Optionally, sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. Serve the creamy Cajun pasta immediately while hot.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp is patted dry before seasoning to get a better sear.
- Reserve pasta water helps adjust the sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Andouille sausage adds authentic Cajun smoky flavor, but can be substituted with smoked sausage if unavailable.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or choose a milder blend.
- For a richer sauce, you can add more cream cheese or heavy cream according to your preference.
- Serve with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
