Cajun Sausage And Shrimp Pasta

How to make Cajun Sausage And Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients:

8 oz rotini

2 Tb olive oil

1 Tb butter

6 oz andouille sausage

3 green onions

2 celery stalks

1 lb large peeled and deveined shrimp 16-20 size

1 Tb blackening seasoning*

1 tsp minced garlic

1 Tb tomato paste

½ C cream

4 oz cream cheese

½ C pasta water

1 tsp Italian seasoning

½ tsp kosher salt black pepper to taste

1 roma tomato

Italian flat leaf parsley

1 lemon

shredded parmesan

Instructions:

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½-cup pasta water for the sauce. Cut the green onions into ¼-piece, reserving the green tops for garnish.

Place olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Slice the andouille sausage into ¼-inch thick rounds. Once the oil is hot, add the sausage. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often.

Once the sausage is browned, add the diced pepper, celery, and white portion of green onions to the pan. Cook for another 2 minutes or until veggies are softened.

While the veggies cook, toss the shrimp in blackening seasoning. Once the veggies are soft, add the shrimp and stir to combine. After one minute, turn the shrimp over and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

Turn the heat down to medium and add the garlic and tomato paste. Stir to combine and cook for another one minute.

Add cream, cream cheese, pasta water, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is totally melted and the sauce is smooth.

Dice the tomato into ¼-inch pieces. Finely mince roughly one tablespoon of parsley. Garnish with diced tomato, minced parsley and reserved green onions. Serve with a dusting of grated parmesan and a lemon wedge.

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Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests using rotini, you can use any pasta shape you prefer or have on hand.

Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta.

What can I substitute for andouille sausage if I can’t find it?

If you can’t find andouille sausage, you can use a similar smoked sausage or even a spicy Italian sausage for a similar flavor profile.

Adjust the seasoning to your taste if needed.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Certainly! If you prefer a spicier dish, you can increase the amount of blackening seasoning or add additional red pepper flakes.

Adjust the spice level to your preference.

What’s the purpose of reserving pasta water?

The reserved pasta water is used in the sauce to help create a silky and smooth consistency.

The starch in the pasta water helps to thicken and bind the sauce together, making it cling to the pasta and other ingredients.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While the dish is best served fresh, you can prepare some components ahead of time.

You can cook the pasta, slice the vegetables, and peel and devein the shrimp in advance.

When ready to serve, you can quickly cook the shrimp and assemble the dish.

However, keep in mind that the cream-based sauce may change in texture if reheated multiple times.

Can I adjust the level of spiciness in this dish?

Absolutely! The recipe includes blackening seasoning for a mild Cajun flavor.

If you prefer more heat, you can increase the amount of blackening seasoning or add additional red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

Is it necessary to use andouille sausage?

While andouille sausage provides a distinct flavor, you can use other types of smoked or spicy sausages as a substitute.

Choose a sausage that complements the Cajun flavors and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp, but it’s important not to overcook them.

Add the pre-cooked shrimp towards the end of the cooking process, just to warm them through, as overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.