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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Thoroughly pat shrimp dry and ensure they are completely peeled and deveined for optimal texture and presentation.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Monitor pasta’s doneness, aiming for a perfectly al dente texture while simultaneously thickening the sauce to a luxurious consistency.
- Eliminate skillet from heat source, integrating Parmesan cheese and a splash of vinegar. Gently fold until cheese melts completely, creating a silky, cohesive sauce.
- Reintroduce seared shrimp to the linguine, gently tossing to warm and coat with the vibrant, creamy sauce.
- 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