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One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

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A quick and flavorful one-pot creamy Cajun shrimp pasta with smoky andouille sausage, tender shrimp, and a luscious creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces andouille sausage, sliced
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced (red or green)
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 12 ounces uncooked penne or rotini pasta
  • A handful fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven. Add sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned and fragrant, about 4 minutes.
  2. Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté until veggies soften and onions turn translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning over the sausage and veggies. Stir well to coat evenly.
  4. Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream. Stir in uncooked pasta (12 ounces), ensuring pasta is mostly submerged. Bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until pasta is al dente and sauce thickens, about 12-15 minutes.
  6. Stir in 4 ounces softened cream cheese and ½ cup grated Parmesan until melted and fully incorporated.
  7. Add peeled and deveined shrimp (1 pound) and cook until pink and firm, about 4-5 minutes. Avoid overcooking.
  8. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Stir frequently during simmer to prevent pasta from sticking and to help sauce thicken evenly. If sauce thickens too much before pasta is tender, add a splash of broth or water. Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubbery texture. For gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta like brown rice or quinoa pasta. Leftovers store well in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently on stovetop with splash of broth or cream. Avoid microwave reheating to keep shrimp tender.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, creamy, Cajun, shrimp, pasta, andouille sausage, easy dinner, quick meal, spicy, comfort food

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/one-pot-creamy-cajun-shrimp-pasta-recipe-easy-and-flavorful-dinner/