Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage

This Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage is a perfect blend of spicy, smoky flavors typical of Cajun cuisine combined with tender shrimp and flavorful sausage. The pasta is coated in a creamy sauce infused with smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic, and fresh lemon juice, delivering a rich, comforting meal ready in under 30 minutes.

Ideal for family dinners or impressing guests, this dish brings bold, exciting tastes to your table with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

300 g pasta (penne, fettuccine, or linguine)

250 g cleaned, deveined shrimp

200 g Cajun sausage or any spicy sausage, thinly sliced

2 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

200 ml heavy cream

1 tbsp lemon juice

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook sausage slices until crispy and aromatic. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

4. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet; sauté until soft and translucent.

5. Stir in smoked paprika and cayenne pepper; cook for 1 minute to release flavors.

6. Pour in cream and lemon juice; simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.

7. Return shrimp and sausage to skillet; mix well. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.

8. Toss in cooked pasta; combine everything well and heat through.

9. Serve hot garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Enjoy!