Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Recipe

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 2/3 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 2/3 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 pound thinly sliced, fully cooked smoked sausage
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 12 ounces spaghetti, cooked
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
• Lemon slices for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Step 1: In a large, heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it becomes foamy, about 2 minutes.

Step 2: Whisk in the flour to the foamy butter, ensuring there are no lumps. Stir continuously until the roux turns a dark, reddish-brown, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add the chopped onion, celery, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook and stir until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in the Cajun seasoning and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.

Step 5: Add the sliced smoked sausage to the pot. Season with crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt to taste. Cover the saucepan, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 6: Remove the lid, increase the heat to medium-high, and bring the mixture back to a boil.

Step 7: Add the shrimp and heavy cream. Cook until the shrimp turns pink and curls into a "C" shape, about 3 minutes.

Step 8: Serve the mixture warm over the cooked spaghetti. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices if desired.

Cook's Notes:

• Cajun seasoning is typically quite salty, so taste as you cook to determine whether additional salt is needed.
• This recipe uses medium-sized shrimp (21 to 25 shrimp per pound). If using smaller shrimp, adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories	409
Total Fat	27g
Saturated Fat	13g
Cholesterol	114mg
Sodium	1097mg
Total Carbohydrate	28g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Total Sugars	4g
Protein	15g
Vitamin C	40mg
Calcium	72mg
Iron	2mg
Potassium	473mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs.

The History and Origins of Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta

Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta is a modern culinary creation inspired by traditional Cajun and Creole cooking of Louisiana. The roots of this dish can be traced back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries, when French, Spanish, and African culinary influences merged in the Gulf Coast region. Cajun cuisine originally evolved from the AcadiansFrench settlers exiled from Canadawho adapted their recipes to locally available ingredients, such as seafood, spices, and smoked meats. This pasta dish is essentially a reinterpretation of classic Cajun gumbo, bringing the robust flavors of the South into a creamy, pasta-based format suitable for contemporary home cooking.

Regional Features

While Cajun cooking is native to Louisiana, particularly the rural regions along the Bayou Teche and the Atchafalaya Basin, this pasta variation reflects a fusion between Southern comfort and Italian influences. The use of smoked sausage, bell peppers, onions, and celery is a hallmark of the holy trinity of Cajun cooking. Unlike traditional gumbo, which is served over rice, this dish replaces rice with spaghetti, creating a unique texture and allowing the rich, spiced cream sauce to coat every strand. The dish embodies the bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor profile characteristic of Cajun cuisine.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Although it shares similarities with shrimp scampi or creamy Italian sausage pasta, the key difference lies in its seasoning and ingredients. Cajun spicesincluding paprika, cayenne, garlic, and oreganogive the dish a distinct heat and smokiness that Italian pastas usually lack. Additionally, the combination of shrimp and smoked sausage in a creamy sauce is relatively uncommon in mainstream Italian cuisine, making this a uniquely Southern fusion. Unlike traditional gumbo or jambalaya, this pasta version emphasizes creaminess over broth-based consistency, resulting in a velvety texture rather than a soup-like dish.

Where Its Typically Served

This dish is popular in both casual and festive settings across the Southern United States. It is often served at home dinners, potlucks, and Sunday family meals, where hearty portions and bold flavors are appreciated. Many restaurants specializing in Cajun or Southern cuisine include this pasta on their menu as a comforting entre, sometimes garnished with parsley and lemon to brighten the richness of the sauce. Its adaptability makes it suitable for weeknight dinners as well as celebratory gatherings.

Interesting Facts

• Cajun cuisine, including this dish, often relies on the holy trinity of onions, bell peppers, and celery, a foundation for nearly all recipes in the region.
• The creamy variation of this pasta is a modern twist; traditional Cajun dishes rarely use heavy cream, relying instead on roux and broth for thickness.
• Smoked sausage, or andouille, is a staple ingredient that imparts both flavor and protein, highlighting the resourcefulness of early Cajun cooks who used preserved meats.
• The dish balances spice and creaminess, making it accessible for those who might find authentic Cajun dishes too fiery.
• It pairs exceptionally well with crusty French bread, which reflects the French influence embedded in Louisiana cuisine.

Overall, Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta offers a flavorful journey into Southern cooking traditions while presenting a comforting, creamy texture that appeals to modern palates. Its combination of history, regional authenticity, and culinary creativity makes it a standout dish in the world of pasta and seafood recipes.

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