Cajun Shrimp and Sausage with Cheese Sauce and Pasta

Indulge in the bold and irresistible flavors of Cajun Shrimp and Sausage with Cheese Sauce and Pasta, a creamy and spicy one-pan dish that’s perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner. Tender shrimp and smoky Andouille sausage are perfectly seasoned with Cajun spices, then combined with al dente penne pasta and enrobed in a luscious homemade cheese sauce featuring sharp cheddar and Parmesan. A touch of garlic and a rich roux elevate the sauce, while fresh parsley adds a hint of brightness to this soul-warming comfort meal. Ready in just 45 minutes, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort, making it a go-to for satisfying cravings for a creamy Cajun pasta that the whole family will love.

Nutriscore Rating: 48/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound Large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 12 ounces Andouille sausage (sliced)
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 3 tablespoons Butter
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 2 cups Heavy cream
• 1 cup Chicken broth
• 2 cups Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
• 12 ounces Cooked penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions, ensuring it is cooked al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and toss with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to coat evenly.

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the sliced sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned. Remove the sausage and set aside.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 3 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, to form a roux.

Step 7

Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 8

Add the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 9

Add the cooked penne pasta, shrimp, and sausage back into the skillet, tossing to coat everything evenly in the cheese sauce.

Step 10

Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 11

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2281.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5474.6

Total Fat 408.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 217.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.7g
Cholesterol 1986.8mg	0%
Sodium 13664.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 145.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.4g	0%
Total Sugars 8.6g
Protein 271.1g	0%

Vitamin D 6.7IU	0%
Calcium 2829.9mg	0%
Iron 10.7mg	0%
Potassium 2426.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 68.8%

Protein: 20.3%

Carbs: 10.9%