Cajun Pasta Be Poppin’
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
Proteins:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
Pantry & Dairy:
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 1/3 cup reserved pasta water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
- 2 tbsp butter, divided
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente. Reserve 1/3 cup pasta water. Drain and set aside.
- Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp butter and cook shrimp for 2 minutes per side or until pink. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, brown sausage slices until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Season chicken cubes and cook in remaining 1 tbsp butter until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add onion, green bell pepper, and thyme to the skillet. Sauté for 5 minutes. Add red bell pepper and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes (if using), reserved pasta water, and salt. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Return shrimp, sausage, and chicken to the pan. Add cooked pasta and heavy cream. Toss well and heat through for 1–2 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional Cajun spice or thyme as desired.
Tips
- Don’t overcook shrimp—they turn rubbery quickly.
- Use fresh thyme for brighter flavor if available.
- Substitute andouille with kielbasa and a pinch of smoked paprika if needed.
- Let sauce thicken slightly before adding cream for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm garlic bread or crusty French bread.
- Pair with a crisp garden salad with vinaigrette.
- Offer hot sauce or crushed red pepper on the side for extra spice.