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Creamy Cajun Pasta Recipe

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3.9 from 47 reviews

Creamy Cajun Pasta is a flavorful, quick-to-make dish featuring penne pasta tossed in a rich, creamy sauce with a spicy Cajun kick. Tender shrimp and smoky Andouille sausage complement sautéed bell peppers and onions in a velvety blend of heavy cream, cream cheese, and Cajun seasoning, garnished with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese for an indulgent finish.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided
  • Optional – 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Proteins

  • 1 pound raw shrimp
  • 2 Andouille sausages, sliced into rounds

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 red or orange bell peppers, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Dairy

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 ounces cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
  2. Season the Shrimp: Pat the raw shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then toss with 2 teaspoons of the Cajun seasoning to evenly coat and infuse flavor.
  3. Cook Sausage and Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced Andouille sausage and seasoned shrimp. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes until shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked. Remove both from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Sauté Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. When hot, add the diced onion and bell peppers. Sprinkle the final teaspoon of Cajun seasoning over the vegetables and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened.
  5. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to release its aroma without burning.
  6. Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the vegetable broth, heavy cream, and reserved pasta water. Add the cream cheese and stir until it melts and combines smoothly. Increase heat slightly and allow the sauce to simmer for 4 to 6 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
  7. Combine Pasta and Proteins: Add the cooked pasta back to the skillet, stirring to coat it evenly in the sauce. Then fold in the cooked shrimp, sausage, and chopped fresh parsley to distribute flavors throughout.
  8. Serve and Garnish: If desired, sprinkle the dish with grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • For a spicier dish, add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option, though the sauce will be less thick.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for gluten-intolerant diets.
  • Fresh parsley can be replaced with dried parsley if fresh is unavailable, but use less as dried herbs are more concentrated.
  • Reserve some pasta water carefully as it helps to adjust sauce consistency and ensures it sticks well to the pasta.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Cajun, American

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/creamy-cajun-pasta-recipe/