Cajun-Seasoned Shrimp and Sausage Linguine

Here’s a bold and flavorful recipe for Cajun-Seasoned Shrimp and Sausage Linguine — a hearty one-pan pasta dish loaded with smoky sausage, juicy shrimp, and a spicy Cajun cream sauce that clings perfectly to tender linguine. It’s a true crowd-pleaser!

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🍤🌶️ Cajun-Seasoned Shrimp and Sausage Linguine

🧂 Ingredients (Serves 4)

🍝 Main:

• 12 oz linguine, cooked and drained

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp butter

• ¾ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

• ½ lb smoked sausage, sliced (like andouille or kielbasa)

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 small bell pepper (red or green), diced

• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced

🌶️ Cajun Seasoning Blend:

• 1½ tsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp oregano

• ½ tsp thyme

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ¼–½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)

• Salt to taste
  (or use 1½ tbsp store-bought Cajun seasoning)

🥣 Cream Sauce:

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

• ½ cup chicken broth

• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional for brightness)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

✅ 1. Cook the Pasta:

1. Boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

✅ 2. Season & Cook Shrimp:

1. Toss shrimp with half the Cajun seasoning.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Cook shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until just cooked. Remove and set aside.

✅ 3. Cook Sausage & Veggies:

1. Add butter to the skillet. Sauté sausage until browned.

2. Add onions, peppers, and garlic; cook until softened (about 4–5 minutes).

✅ 4. Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce:

1. Stir in remaining Cajun seasoning, then add cream and chicken broth.

2. Simmer 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until slightly thickened.

3. Add Parmesan and stir until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Cajun spice.

4. Add lemon juice if using.

✅ 5. Combine:

1. Add back the shrimp, and toss in the cooked linguine.

2. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta.

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🧀 Garnish:

• Chopped parsley or green onions

• Extra Parmesan

• A squeeze of lemon or sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you love heat

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🔄 Tips & Variations:

• Swap linguine with fettuccine, penne, or zoodles.

• Add spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra veggies.

• Use blackened chicken instead of or in addition to shrimp.

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Would you like a low-carb version, a dairy-free twist, or a meal prep plan for this dish?