Cajun-Seasoned Shrimp and Sausage Linguine

Here’s a bold and satisfying dish that brings the heat and heartiness of the bayou to your table: Cajun-Seasoned Shrimp and Sausage Linguine! This pasta combines smoky sausage, juicy shrimp, and a spicy creamy sauce for a full-flavored one-pan meal that’s weeknight-friendly and totally craveable.

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🍤🔥 Cajun-Seasoned Shrimp and Sausage Linguine

Ingredients (Serves 4):

🔸 Protein & Pasta:

• 8 oz linguine, cooked al dente and drained

• 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined

• 1/2 lb smoked sausage (like andouille or kielbasa), sliced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp butter

🔸 Seasoning & Aromatics:

• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

• 1/2 onion, finely diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

🔸 Creamy Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half for lighter version)

• 1/2 cup chicken broth or pasta water

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• Optional: 1 tbsp cream cheese for extra richness

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👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Cook Pasta:
   Boil linguine in salted water according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water. Drain and set aside.

2. Season Shrimp:
   Toss shrimp in 1 tsp Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt.

3. Sear Sausage & Shrimp:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
   Cook sausage slices until browned (about 3–4 min), then remove and set aside.
   In the same skillet, melt butter and cook shrimp 1–2 min per side until just pink. Set aside with sausage.

4. Sauté Veggies:
   Add onions, peppers, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté 3–4 minutes until softened. Add red pepper flakes if using.

5. Make the Sauce:
   Pour in chicken broth and cream, scraping up any browned bits.
   Stir in Parmesan and cream cheese (if using). Let simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

6. Combine:
   Add back cooked shrimp and sausage. Toss in the linguine.
   Stir well and let it simmer a minute or two until heated through. Adjust seasoning with extra Cajun spice or salt.

7. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, or a wedge of lemon.

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🔄 Tips & Variations:

• Want it spicier? Add hot sauce or more Cajun seasoning.

• Swap linguine with fettuccine, penne, or even zucchini noodles.

• Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.

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Would you like a one-pot version, a low-carb option, or a mild kid-friendly variation?