Cajun Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Shrimp Recipe
This Cajun Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Shrimp recipe is a flavorful and hearty dish featuring a colorful medley of vegetables, tender chicken sausage, succulent shrimp, and a creamy Cajun-spiced sauce, all tossed with your favorite pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that brings a spicy kick and vibrant flavors to the table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Base
- 8 ounces of your favorite pasta
Protein
- 1 – 11 ounce package of sweet Italian chicken sausage
- 8 ounces of shrimp (peeled, deveined and precooked)
Vegetables
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 bell peppers, seeds removed, cut into thin slices
- 1 medium zucchini, cut into thin rounds
- 2 cups of fresh spinach
Sauce & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 – 15 ounce can of diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 3 teaspoons Cajun spice (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics and proteins: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about two minutes until fragrant. Next, add the sliced bell peppers, chicken sausage, and shrimp. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage and shrimp are fully heated through.
- Cook vegetables: Add the zucchini rounds and fresh spinach to the skillet. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and zucchini is tender.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, drained diced tomatoes, and Cajun spice. Mix well to blend the flavors.
- Combine and simmer: Pour the sauce mixture over the sautéed ingredients in the skillet. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and flavors to meld.
- Toss with pasta and season: Stir in the cooked pasta carefully, ensuring it is well coated with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish and garnish: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use precooked shrimp to save time; if using raw shrimp, cook thoroughly before adding other ingredients.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun spice based on your preferred spice level.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
- The dish pairs well with crusty bread or a simple green salad.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
