Bold & Zesty Spicy Shrimp and Sausage Linguine Recipe

Spicy shrimp and sausage linguine combines bold flavors that dance across your palate with surprising intensity.

This sizzling dish promises a culinary adventure that ignites your taste buds from the first bite.

Seafood and hearty sausage create a robust harmony that feels both comforting and exciting.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly, delivering a punch of heat and rich, complex textures.

Each forkful tells a story of vibrant spices and carefully balanced ingredients that complement one another perfectly.

Intense and satisfying, this recipe breaks through ordinary pasta expectations with its dynamic flavor profile.

Explore a meal that will transport you to coastal kitchens where passion and creativity reign supreme.

Why Spicy Shrimp and Sausage Linguine Hits the Mark

• Andouille sausage and Cajun seasoning create a bold, zesty profile that transforms an ordinary pasta dish into a mouthwatering culinary adventure.
• This recipe eliminates multiple dishes by cooking everything in a single skillet, making preparation and cleanup incredibly quick and effortless for busy home cooks.
• Succulent shrimp, tender linguine, and crispy sausage bits combine to deliver a delightful mix of soft and hearty elements in every satisfying bite.
• Flexible ingredients allow simple swaps or adjustments, making this dish adaptable for different taste preferences and dietary needs without compromising the core deliciousness.

Ingredients List for Spicy Shrimp and Sausage Linguine

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that adds a light, sweet flavor to the dish. Fresh or frozen work well, ensure they are properly deveined and patted dry.
• Andouille Sausage: Spicy Cajun sausage that provides a robust and smoky flavor profile. Look for high-quality smoked sausage with good seasoning.

• Linguine: Classic long pasta that catches sauce beautifully. Choose bronze-cut pasta for better sauce adherence.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and slight acidity to the sauce. Canned tomatoes work perfectly.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and smooth sauce base. Use full-fat cream for best results.
• Water: Helps cook pasta and create sauce consistency.

• Butter: Provides richness and helps develop flavors. Unsalted butter recommended.
• Cajun Seasoning: Brings spicy and complex flavor to the dish. Choose a blend with balanced heat.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall seasoning. Adjust to taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty finish to the pasta. Freshly grated is best.
• Vinegar: Brightens the overall flavor profile. White or apple cider vinegar work well.
• Bell Pepper, Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build depth of flavor. Fresh ingredients preferred.
• Parsley: Optional fresh herb for garnish. Adds color and light herbaceous note.

Cooking Instructions for Shrimp and Sausage Linguine

Step 1: Prepare Succulent Shrimp

Rinse the shrimp thoroughly, then pat them completely dry with paper towels.

Remove the shells and veins, and place the cleaned shrimp on a fresh plate.

Step 2: Sizzle Shrimp to Golden Perfection

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt unsalted butter.

Place the shrimp in a single layer and sprinkle with kosher salt.

Cook for 2 minutes without touching them until the edges begin to brown.

Flip each shrimp and cook for 1 more minute until fully done, then transfer to a separate bowl.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

In the same skillet, add sliced andouille sausage and cook until the edges get crisp.

Add sliced bell peppers, chopped onions, and minced garlic.

Sauté until the vegetables soften and the sausage caramelizes nicely.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce and Cook Pasta

Add drained diced tomatoes, water, heavy cream, linguine pasta, Cajun seasoning, and the remaining salt to the skillet.

Bring everything to a rolling boil, stirring constantly.

Let it cook until the pasta is al dente and the sauce becomes thick and creamy.

Step 5: Finish with Cheesy Elegance

Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese.

Add a splash of vinegar and toss until the cheese melts fully into the sauce.

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Reunite Shrimp with Pasta

Put the cooked shrimp back into the skillet.

Gently mix them in until they’re heated through and coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the linguine onto serving plates.

Top with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Serve immediately while hot and flavorful.

Cooking Tips for Spicy Linguine Success

• Pat Shrimp Dry: Ensure shrimp are completely dry before cooking to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming.
• Layer Shrimp Strategically: Arrange shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding to get beautiful caramelization and prevent soggy texture.
• Master Sausage Browning: Cook andouille sausage until it develops a deep, rich color to maximize flavor and create a delicious base for the sauce.
• Control Pasta Doneness: Watch linguine carefully during cooking to hit the perfect al dente texture, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Remove skillet from heat before adding Parmesan to create a smooth, creamy sauce without breaking or becoming grainy.

How to Store and Reheat Linguine Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftover linguine in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

What to Serve with Spicy Shrimp Linguine

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Reach for a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to cut through the dish's richness and complement the spicy Cajun flavors.
• Match with Refreshing Lager: Choose a light, cold beer like a pilsner or Mexican-style lager that balances the heat and provides a clean, crisp counterpoint to the creamy sauce.
• Create a Side Salad Partner: Toss a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and help cleanse the palate between bites of the rich, spicy linguine.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare a warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the delicious, creamy sauce and provide a satisfying textural contrast to the pasta.

Linguine Variations with a Spicy Twist

• Coastal Chorizo Fusion: Replace andouille sausage with Spanish chorizo, adding smoked paprika for an extra layer of rich, spicy flavor that complements the shrimp perfectly.
• Mediterranean Seafood Medley: Swap shrimp for a mix of fresh mussels, calamari, and white fish, incorporating Greek oregano and white wine to create a Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish.
• Creamy Cajun Chicken Alternative: Substitute shrimp with diced chicken breast, maintaining the Cajun seasoning and adding roasted red peppers for a hearty, protein-packed version of the original recipe.
• Vegetarian Pepper Pasta: Remove seafood and sausage, replace with grilled zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms, using vegetable broth instead of water to enhance the vegetables' natural flavors.

Spicy Shrimp Linguine FAQs

• Can I use a different type of sausage if andouille is unavailable?

Yes, you can substitute andouille with smoked sausage or chorizo for a similar spicy flavor profile.

• How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Cook shrimp briefly, just until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking makes them tough, so remove them from heat as soon as they’re done.

• Is this dish very spicy?

The heat level depends on the Cajun seasoning used. You can adjust the amount or choose a mild version if you prefer less spice.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the components separately and combine just before serving. Reheat gently to prevent pasta from becoming mushy.

Spicy Shrimp And Sausage Linguine Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling spicy shrimp and sausage linguine brings Southern coastal flavors to dinner tables with bold, zesty charm. Rich proteins and hearty pasta create an exciting, quick meal perfect for hungry souls craving intense Mediterranean-inspired comfort.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound raw jumbo shrimp (21 to 25 per pound), patted dry, peeled and deveined
• 6 to 7 ounces andouille sausage, cut into ¼-inch thick coins
• 2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese (about ½ cup), plus more for serving

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained
• Finely chopped fresh parsley leaves, for garnish (optional)

Liquids, Seasonings, and Pasta:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided, plus more as needed
• 3 cups water
• 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
• 12 ounces dried linguine pasta
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning with salt
• 2 teaspoons sherry, red, or white wine vinegar

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly pat shrimp dry and ensure they are completely peeled and deveined for optimal texture and presentation.
2. Heat a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling environment for quick shrimp searing. Arrange shrimp in a single layer, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown exterior without disturbance.
3. Swiftly cook shrimp until they transform from translucent to opaque, carefully flipping to achieve uniform cooking. Transfer perfectly seared shrimp to a separate container to prevent overcooking.
4. In the same skillet, introduce andouille sausage, allowing it to caramelize and release rich, smoky flavors. Incorporate bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic, creating a robust aromatic base.
5. Merge diced tomatoes, water, heavy cream, linguine, and Cajun seasoning into the skillet. Initiate a vigorous boil, continuously stirring to guarantee even pasta cooking and sauce development.
6. Monitor pasta’s doneness, aiming for a perfectly al dente texture while simultaneously thickening the sauce to a luxurious consistency.
7. Eliminate skillet from heat source, integrating Parmesan cheese and a splash of vinegar. Gently fold until cheese melts completely, creating a silky, cohesive sauce.
8. Reintroduce seared shrimp to the linguine, gently tossing to warm and coat with the vibrant, creamy sauce.
9. Plate the linguine immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley for a final touch of elegance and flavor enhancement.

Notes

• Dry shrimp thoroughly before cooking to achieve perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming.
• Choose high-quality andouille sausage for authentic Cajun flavor and robust spiciness.
• One-pot method saves time on cleanup and allows flavors to develop deeply during cooking.
• Use Cajun seasoning generously to infuse bold, zesty taste throughout the entire dish.
• Heavy cream creates luxurious, silky sauce that beautifully coats linguine and binds ingredients together.
• Fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese as garnish add bright color and enhance overall taste profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg