Cajun Shrimp and Sausage with Cheese Sauce and Pasta
Indulge in the bold and irresistible flavors of Cajun Shrimp and Sausage with Cheese Sauce and Pasta, a creamy and spicy one-pan dish that’s perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner. Tender shrimp and smoky Andouille sausage are perfectly seasoned with Cajun spices, then combined with al dente penne pasta and enrobed in a luscious homemade cheese sauce featuring sharp cheddar and Parmesan. A touch of garlic and a rich roux elevate the sauce, while fresh parsley adds a hint of brightness to this soul-warming comfort meal. Ready in just 45 minutes, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort, making it a go-to for satisfying cravings for a creamy Cajun pasta that the whole family will love.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound Large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 12 ounces Andouille sausage (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 tablespoons Butter
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Heavy cream
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 2 cups Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
- 12 ounces Cooked penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions, ensuring it is cooked al dente. Drain and set aside.
Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and toss with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to coat evenly.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the sliced sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned. Remove the sausage and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 3 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, to form a roux.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked penne pasta, shrimp, and sausage back into the skillet, tossing to coat everything evenly in the cheese sauce.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1365 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 101.9 g | 131% | |
| Saturated Fat | 54.7 g | 273% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 495 mg | 165% | |
| Sodium | 2477 mg | 108% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 36.4 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.3 g | ||
| Protein | 68.3 g | 137% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 713 mg | 55% | |
| Iron | 2.8 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 643 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
