Cajun Shrimp Pasta (Print Version)

Ingredients:

01 - 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta.
02 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined.
03 - 8 oz Andouille sausage, sliced.
04 - 2 tbsp olive oil.
05 - 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced.
06 - 1 small onion, chopped.
07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced.
08 - 1 cup heavy cream.
09 - 1/2 cup chicken broth.
10 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
11 - 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning.
12 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika.
13 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional).
14 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
15 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish).
16 - Lemon wedges (optional, for serving).

Instructions:

01 - Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
02 - Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet. Cook Andouille sausage until browned, then remove and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add another tbsp olive oil. Cook shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, cook onion and bell pepper until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
05 - Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, bring to a simmer. Cook until slightly thickened.
06 - Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
07 - Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with the sauce. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
08 - Return sausage and shrimp to the skillet and toss to combine.
09 - Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
10 - Garnish with parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side if desired.

Notes:

01 - This Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Andouille Sausage is a flavorful, creamy pasta dish with a kick of Cajun spice, perfect for a hearty dinner.
02 - Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
03 - Lemon wedges add a refreshing citrus note to balance the rich flavors of the dish.