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Creamy Cajun Pasta
...in your mind.
Creamy Cajun Pasta

Creamy Cajun Pasta

Shrimp and andouille sausage really make this. But if you prefer chicken - go for it. Only veggies? That'll work too. What I'm saying is for you to make it your own.

Serves 4-6

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon oregano
  • 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 tablespoon coarse ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1.5 pounds raw, peeled and deveined shrimp, ideally something large-ish like 16/20's would be great
  • Oil
  • Butter
  • 1 pound fully cooked andouille sausage, cut into 1/4 inch rounds
  • 3/4 cup diced green pepper
  • 3/4 cup diced red pepper
  • 3/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1 tablespoon garlic paste, or a couple cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle chili paste, or tomato paste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated or shredded
  • 16 ounces of your favorite cooked pasta (I used Rigatoni)

Directions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and set aside
  2. Combine paprika, garlic powder, oregano, onion powder, salt & pepper and cayenne - mix well to combine
  3. Put shrimp in a large bowl, add about a tablespoon of oil and a couple tablespoons of the seasoning - mix well to combine
  4. Heat a large pan to medium/high, put in about 1.5 tablespoons oil, and when almost smoking add the shrimp and cook on both sides until just done, maybe a couple of minutes total - then remove and set aside
  5. Add another tablespoon of oil, then the sausage - mixing well to let it swim in the leftover seasoning and deliciousness for a couple minutes, then remove to the shrimp plate
  6. Add a bit more oil, then the peppers and onion - cook, stirring often until softened about 3 minutes then add the garlic and chipotle or tomato paste, stir in about a minute
  7. Put in the cream, stir well to mix then add the Parmesan, a little at a time until it's all in then bring back the shrimp & sausage
  8. Add cooked pasta, stir well until thickened, and everything is beautifully coated
  9. Serve