This creamy Cajun shrimp and sausage pasta is a flavorful, indulgent dish that brings the bold and smoky flavors of Louisiana straight to your kitchen. The rich, creamy sauce is perfectly spiced with Cajun seasoning and paprika, complemented by the heat of red pepper flakes (optional for an extra kick). With succulent shrimp, smoky sausage, and the slight tang of fresh tomatoes, this dish combines the best of Southern cooking in a quick and easy weeknight meal. It’s perfect for those craving a comforting, flavorful pasta dish with a little extra heat.

Ready in: 30 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 6 oz smoked sausage, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to season the water with a pinch of salt for added flavor. Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
2. Cook the Sausage:
   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to brown and release its smoky flavor. The sausage will add a rich, savory element to the dish. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate, leaving any rendered fat in the pan.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
   In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Shrimp cook very quickly, so be sure not to overcook them. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside with the sausage. This keeps both the shrimp and sausage from becoming overcooked as the dish comes together.
4. Make the Sauce Base:
   Add the butter to the same skillet, allowing it to melt and combine with the flavorful oil left in the pan. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Next, stir in the Cajun seasoning and paprika. The spices will bloom in the butter and garlic, filling the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
5. Simmer the Broth:
   Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits of sausage or shrimp left at the bottom of the pan. These browned bits, known as fond, are packed with flavor and will enhance the sauce. Allow the broth to simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and the flavors to meld together.
6. Add the Cream:
   Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream. This will transform the sauce into a rich, velvety base that perfectly complements the bold Cajun seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
7. Finish the Sauce:
   Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, which will melt into the cream and further thicken the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy texture. If you’re adding cherry tomatoes, add them now and cook for another 2 minutes until they soften. The tomatoes will provide a burst of freshness and slight sweetness that balances out the richness of the cream and spices. If you want more heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes to give the dish an extra kick.
8. Combine Pasta, Sausage, and Shrimp:
   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce to coat evenly. Then, add the cooked sausage and shrimp back into the skillet, stirring everything together. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce, creating a flavorful, cohesive dish. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it with a little reserved pasta water or extra chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
9. Garnish and Serve:
   Once everything is well combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the pasta with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately, ensuring each plate is generously covered in the creamy Cajun sauce.

Serving Suggestions:
This dish is rich and filling on its own but pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would also provide a nice contrast to the richness of the pasta. For a complete Southern-inspired meal, consider serving with a cold glass of iced tea to balance the spices.

Enjoy the bold, creamy, and comforting flavors of this Cajun shrimp and sausage pasta—it’s sure to become a weeknight favorite!