Spicy Shrimp and Smoked Sausage Pasta

Indulge in the bold, savory flavors of Spicy Shrimp and Smoked Sausage Pasta, a hearty, one-skillet dish that effortlessly combines succulent shrimp, smoky sausage, and al dente penne coated in a creamy Cajun-infused sauce. Bursting with aromatic spices, juicy tomatoes, and tender sautéed vegetables, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of heat and comfort. The rich sauce, made with heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and a medley of Cajun seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes, wraps each bite in a luscious, spicy embrace. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal, this 50-minute recipe is simple to prepare yet irresistibly flavorful. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve piping hot for a Southern-inspired pasta dish that will keep everyone coming back for seconds! Keywords: spicy pasta recipe, shrimp and sausage pasta, Cajun pasta, creamy Cajun sauce, weeknight dinner ideas.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 14.5 oz can canned diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1.5 tbsp cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
• 0 to taste salt
• 0 to taste black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

Season the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of cajun seasoning and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the canned diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and remaining cajun seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.

Step 7

Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8

Return the cooked smoked sausage to the skillet. Then add the shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and fully cooked.

Step 9

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Let everything cook together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 10

Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and season to taste with salt and black pepper.

Step 11

Garnish with fresh parsley, if using, and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2754.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4170.8

Total Fat 231.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 101.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.9g
Cholesterol 1399.9mg	0%
Sodium 11128.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 301.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.6g	0%
Total Sugars 26.2g
Protein 211.5g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 932.1mg	0%
Iron 22.9mg	0%
Potassium 4374.6mg	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: 50.4%

Protein: 20.5%

Carbs: 29.1%