Description
This Cajun Pasta recipe combines smoky and spicy flavors with tender shrimp and andouille sausage in a rich tomato-based sauce. Perfect for a comforting yet zesty meal, this dish features sautéed vegetables, bold Cajun seasoning, and the option to make it creamy with sour cream or heavy cream. Ready in 40 minutes, it serves four and is ideal for a flavorful stovetop dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped (optional, for more spicy)
- 1 small green pepper, chopped (or use half a large one)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Protein
- 4 ounces smoked andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Base and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (or equivalent fresh)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (or more to taste; usually 2 tablespoons)
- 2-3 tablespoons sour cream, crema, or heavy cream (optional, for a creamy version)
Pasta and Garnishes
- 8 ounces prepared pasta noodles
- Chopped parsley (for serving)
- Chili flakes (for serving)
Instructions
- Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, jalapeno pepper (if using), and green pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.
- Andouille and Garlic: Add minced garlic and sliced andouille sausage to the pan. Cook for another minute, stirring, until the garlic is fragrant.
- Tomato Sauce and Seasoning: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the mixture. Stir well to combine. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes or longer to develop deep flavors. While the sauce simmers, prepare the pasta according to package instructions.
- Add Shrimp: Nestle the peeled and deveined shrimp into the simmering sauce. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once the pasta is ready, drain it, reserving half a cup of the pasta cooking water. Stir the pasta and reserved water into the sauce, mixing thoroughly to blend the flavors.
- Add Cream (Optional): For a creamy variation, stir in sour cream, crema, or heavy cream at this stage until fully incorporated.
- Serve: Garnish the Cajun pasta with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of chili flakes. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference; 2 tablespoons offers a bolder flavor.
- Using fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes may require longer simmering to achieve desired consistency.
- Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick when combined with pasta.
- The creamy option adds richness but can be omitted for a lighter, tomato-forward dish.
- Feel free to substitute andouille sausage with other smoked sausages if unavailable.
- Jalapeno is optional; omit for a milder flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
