Shrimp Sausage Pasta Dish (Print-Friendly Version)

A creamy Cajun-style tomato sauce coats tender shrimp, smoky sausage, and pasta for a satisfying dish.

# Ingredients:

→ Proteins

01 - 1 lb medium to large peeled and deveined shrimp
02 - 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced (Andouille, Kielbasa, or chicken sausage)

→ Pasta

03 - 1 lb sturdy pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)

→ Sauce and Seasonings

04 - 14 fl oz canned coconut milk or whole milk
05 - 28 fl oz canned crushed tomatoes, no added sugar
06 - 2.5 tsp Old Bay seasoning
07 - 2 garlic cloves, crushed

→ Fats and Finishes

08 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter
09 - 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
10 - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

# Steps:

01 - In a medium saucepan, combine crushed garlic cloves, crushed tomatoes, your choice of milk, and 2 teaspoons of Old Bay seasoning. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes to soften garlic and meld flavors.
02 - Transfer the simmered mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the pot. Blend until completely smooth and creamy with no visible tomato or garlic pieces.
03 - Fill a large pot with water, generously salt it until it tastes like mild seawater, and bring to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
04 - In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium-high until butter foams and smells nutty. Add shrimp in a single layer and season with remaining 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay. Sear 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and firm. Remove shrimp and set aside, leaving browned bits in pan.
05 - Add sliced sausage to the same skillet. Cook without stirring for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown crust forms. For lean sausages, add a splash of oil if needed to prevent sticking.
06 - Return shrimp and drained pasta to the skillet with browned sausage. Pour in half the blended sauce and gently toss with tongs to coat. Add remaining sauce as needed to achieve a glossy, well-coated consistency.
07 - Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the hot pasta and toss gently to melt cheese, creating pockets of creamy richness. Serve immediately.

# Notes & Tips:

01 - Use coconut milk for a dairy-free version; whole milk adds traditional richness. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
02 - Toss drained pasta with olive oil immediately after cooking to prevent sticking.
03 - Properly browning sausage slices enhances smoky depth and flavor.
04 - Blended sauce ensures smooth texture, making it enjoyable even for picky eaters.

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