Cajun Ranch Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Skillet

Ingredience

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds

12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta

1 cup Cajun sauce (store-bought or homemade)

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 bell pepper, chopped

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Pokyny

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until the edges are browned, about 3 to 4 minutes. Browning the sausage releases flavorful oils that form the base of your sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic to the pan. Stir occasionally and cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet along with the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, around 3 to 4 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them.

Step 4: Build the Sauce and Cook the Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Cajun sauce. Stir to combine. Add the uncooked pasta, making sure it’s mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until the pasta is al dente and the sauce thickens, about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for color and extra flavor. Serve immediately.

Poznámky

Preparation Tips for Success

1. Use Large Shrimp: They hold up better during cooking and offer a satisfying bite.

2. Slice the Sausage Evenly: Uniform slices ensure consistent browning.

3. Chop Vegetables in Advance: Prepping everything before you start cooking keeps the process smooth.

4. Don’t Skip the Browning: Browning the sausage first adds important depth of flavor to the final dish.

5. Taste as You Go: Cajun seasoning blends vary, so adjust as needed to match your heat tolerance.