Description
Spicy shrimp and sausage linguine delivers bold Mediterranean flavors in a quick weeknight dinner. Robust ingredients combine for a hearty pasta experience you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound raw jumbo shrimp (21 to 25 per pound), peeled and deveined
- 6 to 7 oz andouille sausage, cut into ¼-inch thick coins
- 2 oz (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 12 oz dried linguine pasta
- 3 tbsps unsalted butter, divided
- 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
- 3 cups water
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsps Cajun seasoning with salt
- ¾ tsp kosher salt, divided, plus more as needed
- 2 tsps sherry, red, or white wine vinegar
- 1 (14.5-oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained
- Finely chopped fresh parsley leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Shrimp Preparation: Pat shrimp dry, ensuring they are completely peeled and deveined for optimal texture and presentation.
- Shrimp Searing: Heat a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange shrimp in a single layer, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown exterior without disturbance. Cook until transforming from translucent to opaque, then transfer to a separate container.
- Flavor Foundation: In the same skillet, caramelize andouille sausage to release smoky flavors. Add bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic to create a robust aromatic base.
- Sauce and Pasta Integration: Combine diced tomatoes, water, heavy cream, linguine, and Cajun seasoning in the skillet. Bring to a vigorous boil, stirring continuously to ensure even pasta cooking and sauce development. Cook until pasta reaches al dente and sauce thickens to a luxurious consistency.
- Final Touches: Remove skillet from heat. Incorporate Parmesan cheese and a splash of vinegar, folding until cheese melts completely. Reintroduce seared shrimp, gently tossing to warm and coat with the vibrant, creamy sauce.
- Serving: Plate linguine immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley for an elegant flavor enhancement.
Notes
- Shrimp Searing Technique: Pat shrimp completely dry to achieve golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming, ensuring crisp caramelization.
- Prevent Overcooking: Remove shrimp immediately after turning opaque to maintain tender, juicy texture and prevent rubbery consistency.
- Sauce Thickness Control: Stir continuously during pasta cooking to develop rich, creamy sauce and prevent sticking or uneven sauce distribution.
- Flavor Layering: Caramelize sausage first to release deep smoky notes, creating a robust flavor foundation before adding additional ingredients.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 646
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 830 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 186 mg