Description
Spicy Louisiana shrimp and sausage pasta bake brings Cajun comfort straight to dinner tables. Hearty ingredients merge into one irresistible casserole that delivers bold Southern flavors you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 0.5 pounds (226 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 0.5 pounds (226 grams) smoked sausage (e.g., andouille or kielbasa), sliced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
Pasta and Cheese:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) penne or rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- 0.5 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta foundation by bringing a generously salted water pot to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta until it reaches a tender al dente texture, then carefully drain and reserve for later assembly.
- Season the delicate shrimp with robust Cajun spices. In a sizzling skillet, melt butter and quickly sear the shrimp until they transform into a vibrant pink hue. Extract the shrimp and set them aside temporarily.
- Utilize the same skillet to caramelize the sausage slices, developing a rich golden-brown exterior that promises deep flavor complexity. Transfer the beautifully browned sausage to join the reserved shrimp.
- Craft a luxurious cream sauce by gently sautéing minced garlic in residual butter. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, allowing the mixture to simmer softly. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, whisking until the sauce achieves a velvety consistency.
- Combine the cooked pasta, succulent shrimp, and crisp sausage in a spacious mixing vessel. Enrobe the ingredients with the creamy sauce, ensuring every morsel is generously coated. Transfer the harmonious mixture into a prepared baking dish.
- Lavishly sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheeses across the surface. Slide the dish into a preheated oven and bake until the cheese melts into a bubbling, golden landscape. For an extra crisp finish, activate the broiler briefly.
- Elevate the presentation by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. Serve immediately, allowing the aromatic dish to entice your dining companions.
Notes
- Customize the Cajun seasoning blend to control the heat level, making it milder for sensitive palates or extra spicy for heat lovers.
- Swap shrimp with chicken or andouille sausage for a different protein variation that still captures the Louisiana flavor profile.
- Use gluten-free pasta to transform this dish into a celiac-friendly meal without compromising the rich, creamy texture.
- Prepare the pasta and protein components ahead of time for a quick weeknight dinner, storing separately in the refrigerator for up to two days before final assembly and baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun/Creole
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg