Nothing brings people together like a hearty, flavorful dish, and this Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Bake is the perfect centerpiece for any gathering. Combining succulent shrimp, spicy sausage, and pasta in a creamy sauce, this dish is infused with Cajun spices that promise to delight your taste buds. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just looking for a delicious weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Creating this mouthwatering dish requires a blend of fresh ingredients and bold seasonings. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Shrimp: 1 pound, peeled and deveined.
- Andouille Sausage: 1 pound, sliced into rounds.
- Pasta: 1 pound of penne or your favorite pasta.
- Bell Peppers: 1 each of red and green, diced.
- Onion: 1 large, diced.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
- Cajun Seasoning: 2 tablespoons, adjust based on your spice preference.
- Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, softened.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup.
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup.
- Cheese: 1 cup of shredded cheddar or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack.
- Olive Oil: For cooking.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create a delectable Cajun-inspired feast:
- Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage and Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned. Remove the sausage and set aside. In the same skillet, add the onions and bell peppers, cooking until they are soft. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the sausage to the skillet and add the shrimp. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Reduce the heat and stir in the cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth until well combined and smooth.
- Assemble the Bake: In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta with the sausage and shrimp mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pasta bake from the oven, let it cool slightly, and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Conclusion
This Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Bake is not just a meal; it’s an experience. The combination of creamy, spicy, and hearty flavors makes it a satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion. It's easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special celebrations. Dive into the rich flavors of Cajun cuisine with this delicious pasta bake and enjoy a meal that's as enjoyable to cook as it is to eat.
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Cajun shrimp and sausage pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food with a kick. Loaded with spicy sausage, juicy shrimp, and pasta in a creamy Cajun sauce, it's baked to perfection and sure to satisfy any craving.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage, bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Cook until vegetables are soft and sausage is browned.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Stir in heavy cream and Cajun seasoning, bringing to a simmer. Mix in cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to a baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the spice level.
- Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of the dish
- Calories: 630
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 23 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 215 mg
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