Cajun Shrimp Sausage Pasta

Step 1

Add pasta to a large pot of boiling water that has been salted. (Anywhere from 1-2 tablespoons of salt.) Cook to al dente, 8-10 minutes.

Step 2

Remove pasta from water and drain. Set aside (if you are worried about the noodles sticking together you can toss them in a little bit of oil or butter).

Step 3

In a bowl, toss shrimp with salt, pepper, and cajun seasoning and make sure it is well coated.

Step 4

Heat a large skillet (12-inches) over medium-high heat and drizzle olive oil in pan.

Step 5

Add shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes. Flip shrimp over and cook another minute, or until pink and firm.

Step 6

Remove shrimp from pan to a plate, set aside.

Step 7

Add the cut-up sausage to the pan you just removed the shrimp from. Cook sausage until lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes each side. Remove from pan to a plate, set aside.

Step 8

In the same pan you cooked the sausage in, lower the leat to medium.

Step 9

Add 3 tablespoons olive oil and then the chopped zucchini, onion, red pepper, cajun seasoning, and brown sugar. Toss everything together to evenly coat. Cook until the veggies are soft, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 10

Add minced garlic and cook and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 11

Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, stirring and scraping the pan with tongs to get up any brown bits from the bottom. Simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step 12

Add in parmesan, cooked pasta, shrimp, and sausage. Stir (toss all ingredients together and continue simmering until heated through (about 2-3 minutes).

Step 13

Serve in skillet and garnish with chopped parsley. (optional)