Shrimp Sausage Pasta (Printable Recipe)
Hearty shrimp and sausage pasta in a creamy Cajun tomato sauce, rich with smoky spice and perfect for weeknight dinners.
# Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 tbsp butter
02 -
1 tbsp olive oil
03 -
1 lb shrimp, thawed, peeled and deveined
04 -
1 lb smoked sausage (Andouille, Kielbasa, or Chicken), sliced
05 -
1 lb pasta
06 -
14 oz canned coconut milk or whole milk
07 -
2.5 tsp Old Bay seasoning
08 -
28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
09 -
2 garlic cloves, crushed
10 -
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, optional
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Smash peeled garlic cloves and place in a medium sauce pot with crushed tomatoes, milk, and 2 teaspoons of Old Bay seasoning. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then lower heat and simmer for a few minutes to soften garlic and meld flavors.
02 -
Transfer mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender. Process until smooth and creamy for a velvety consistency with no tomato chunks.
03 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente following package instructions. Drain well and reserve a small amount of cooking water.
04 -
Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add thawed shrimp and season with remaining 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay. Sear each shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and firm. Remove to a plate but keep pan unwashed.
05 -
Using the same pan, add sliced sausage to the flavorful oil. Brown each side until crisped, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Add more oil if using leaner sausage.
06 -
Return cooked shrimp and drained pasta to the pan with sausage. Pour in half the creamy tomato sauce and toss gently to coat. Add more sauce until desired consistency is reached.
07 -
Sprinkle pasta with freshly grated Parmesan while hot so it melts. Serve immediately from the pan or portion into bowls.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
Toss pasta with olive oil after draining to prevent sticking while sautéing proteins
02 -
Brown sausage slices thoroughly for smoky complexity and restaurant-quality flavor
03 -
Blending the sauce creates smooth, restaurant-quality texture that appeals to all ages
04 -
Add splash of water or milk when reheating leftovers to restore sauce consistency