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- 8 oz penne pasta - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), finely chopped - 1 small onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended) - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped - Lemon wedges Each ingredient plays a key role in this dish. The penne pasta provides a good base, while the shrimp adds a nice texture. The smoked sausage gives a rich, meaty flavor. Bell pepper and onion bring in sweetness, and garlic adds depth. For the sauce, chicken broth and heavy cream create a creamy texture. Cajun seasoning gives that unique, spicy kick. Olive oil helps with sautéing, while salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. You can garnish with fresh parsley for color and a touch of brightness. Lemon wedges add a zesty contrast and brighten the dish even more. Each element combines to create a delightful meal. To cook the penne pasta, fill a large pot with water. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Then, add the penne pasta and cook for about 9 to 11 minutes. This timing helps you reach that perfect al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. In the same pot, add olive oil and heat it over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the sliced smoked sausage. Sauté the sausage for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want it nicely browned, as this adds great flavor. Once browned, use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage and set it aside. Keep using that same pot! Add the diced onion and chopped bell pepper. Sauté them for about 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic. Cook for an additional minute, until the garlic smells great. This step builds a solid flavor base for your dish. Return the browned sausage to the pot. Now, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly over everything. Cook this mix for about 3 to 4 minutes. Toss gently until the shrimp turns opaque and is fully cooked. The Cajun seasoning brings that bold flavor to life. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well to mix all the ingredients. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Now, add the cooked penne pasta back into the pot. Toss well to coat all the pasta in the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the flavors infuse into the pasta. Finally, taste your dish and adjust the salt and black pepper if needed. You can also tweak the Cajun seasoning for extra heat. Serve your one-pot Cajun shrimp and sausage pasta in warm bowls. Garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy this delicious meal! - Adjusting Cajun seasoning: Start with the listed amount of Cajun seasoning. If you want more heat, add a bit more. Taste as you go, so you find your perfect blend. - Suggestions for additional spices: Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth. A dash of cayenne pepper can also boost the heat if you like it spicy. - Importance of using the same pot: Using the same pot keeps all the flavors together. The bits left from the sausage make the dish richer. Each step builds on the last. - Benefits of one-pot cooking: One-pot meals save time and reduce cleanup. You’ll have fewer dishes to wash, and all the flavors meld perfectly together. It’s a win-win! - Serving suggestions: Serve the pasta in warm bowls. This keeps it hot longer and looks inviting. - Recommended plating techniques: Garnish each bowl with fresh parsley. A lemon wedge on the side adds color and a fun twist. It also brightens the dish with a zesty kick! {{image_4}} You can switch shrimp for chicken. Chicken thighs work well here. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Cook them in the same way as the shrimp. They will soak up the Cajun flavors nicely. Using different types of sausage adds variety, too. Try andouille sausage for a spicier kick. Turkey sausage is a lean option if you want something lighter. Just slice them and sauté as the recipe says. For a vegetarian version, substitute shrimp and sausage with plant-based proteins. You can use tofu or tempeh. Both absorb flavors well and add protein. Enhance flavor in vegetarian versions by adding extra spices. Consider smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke. These can mimic the richness of sausage and shrimp. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano also boost flavor. If you love heat, increase spice with additional Cajun seasoning. Add a teaspoon or two, based on your taste. Incorporating hot sauce or peppers can also spice things up. A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce will do. You can also add diced jalapeños for a fresh kick. Just be careful not to overpower the other flavors. To store leftovers of your One-Pot Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta, first let it cool. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps air out and moisture in. The best containers are glass or BPA-free plastic. These materials help maintain flavor and texture. If you want to freeze this dish, first cool it completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. For reheating, thaw it in the fridge overnight. You can reheat it on the stove over low heat. Stir often to ensure even heating. Add a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce. Generally, leftovers last about 3-4 days in the fridge. If frozen, they can last up to 3 months. For the best taste, eat it sooner rather than later. Always check for off smells or changes in texture before eating. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead. Cook the pasta and sausage in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. You can mix them with the sauce later. This way, the dish stays fresh and tasty. Tips for prep and cooking timeline: - Cook pasta and sausage a day before. - Chop vegetables ahead of time. - Store everything in airtight containers. Absolutely! This recipe works great for meal prep. You can portion it out for lunches or dinners. Just divide the pasta and sauce into containers. Suggestions for portioning and storage: - Use glass containers for easy reheating. - Label each container with the date. - Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you don't have Cajun seasoning, there are good swaps. You can mix paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. This gives a similar flavor profile. Alternative seasoning options: - Use Creole seasoning if you have it. - Try smoked paprika for a different twist. - Italian seasoning can add nice herbs. Shrimp cook fast! Look for a pink color and a curled shape. When shrimp turn opaque, they are done. Visual indicators for doneness: - Bright pink color means they are cooked. - The shrimp should curl into a C shape. - Overcooked shrimp turn tough and rubbery. This blog post breaks down how to make a flavorful Cajun pasta dish. We covered essential ingredients like penne pasta, shrimp, and sausage. You learned step-by-step cooking methods, tips for enhancing flavor, and variations to suit your taste. With these insights, you can create a delicious meal that thrills your taste buds. Whether you stick to shrimp or try alternatives, this dish is versatile and fun. Enjoy cooking and make it your own!

One-Pot Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta

Indulge in a flavor-packed Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Pasta Delight that's sure to impress! This quick 30-minute recipe combines succulent shrimp, smoky sausage, and creamy goodness, all tossed with penne pasta and vibrant veggies. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, it’s easy to make and bursting with Cajun flair. Click through to explore this delicious recipe and bring a taste of Louisiana to your kitchen today!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz penne pasta

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

8 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), finely chopped

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended)

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, fill with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 9-11 minutes). Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.

    Sauté the Sausage: In the same pot, add the olive oil and heat over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced smoked sausage. Sauté the sausage for about 3-4 minutes until it’s nicely browned. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.

      Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot (with the remnants of the sausage flavor), add the diced onion and chopped bell pepper. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Then add the minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute, until the garlic is fragrant.

        Add Shrimp and Seasoning: Return the browned sausage to the pot, followed by the peeled and deveined shrimp. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly over the top. Cook everything together for about 3-4 minutes, tossing gently, until the shrimp turns opaque and is fully cooked through.

          Combine with Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine all the ingredients. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.

            Mix in the Pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta back into the pot, tossing well to ensure all the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. Allow it to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors infuse.

              Season to Taste: Taste the dish and season with salt and black pepper as needed. If desired, adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning for your preferred level of heat.

                Serve: Remove the pot from the heat and garnish each serving with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.

                  Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4-6

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in warm bowls, and add an extra sprinkle of parsley on top for a fresh touch. You can also serve with a wedge of lemon on the side for an extra zing!