This creamy, spicy pasta is a flavor explosion in every bite—perfect for a date night or indulgent dinner!
Ingredients 🛒
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp Cajun or Creole seasoning
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
For the Pasta Dish:
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 6 oz andouille or smoked sausage (thinly sliced)
- 10 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1/2 yellow onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 4 tsp Cajun or Creole seasoning
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 2-3 cloves garlic (chopped)
- 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup sodium-free chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp parsley (chopped)
Instructions 👩🍳
1️⃣ Prepare the Shrimp:
Toss shrimp in Cajun seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper until well coated.
2️⃣ Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil, then cook shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3️⃣ Brown the Sausage:
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sausage slices. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until browned. Remove and set aside.
4️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
Boil fettuccine in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5️⃣ Sauté the Veggies:
Reduce heat to medium, adding more olive oil if needed. Sauté the onion, bell pepper, Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt until softened (5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6️⃣ Create the Sauce:
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer while scraping any browned bits from the pan. Let cook for 2-3 minutes.
7️⃣ Combine Everything:
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted. Add the cooked pasta and sausage back to the skillet, tossing to coat. Heat through for 2-3 minutes, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8️⃣ Finish with Shrimp:
Return the shrimp to the skillet, gently stirring to combine.
9️⃣ Garnish and Serve:
Top with chopped parsley for a fresh finish. Serve hot, and enjoy this creamy, bold pasta dish!
Pro Tip:
Want extra heat? Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the veggies!
This dish is indulgent and full of bold Cajun flavors. Warning: it’s so good, you might not have leftovers! 😋
