A spicy, creamy Cajun-inspired pasta loaded with juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and baked to golden perfection. Pure comfort with a Louisiana kick!
Ingredients
For the Pasta Bake:
300g penne pasta (about 3 cups)
200g smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
10 large shrimp, peeled & deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
For the Sauce:
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ medium onion, finely chopped
½ red bell pepper, diced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
½ cup grated Parmesan
1 cup shredded mozzarella
For Garnish:
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Boil penne in salted water until al dente. Drain & set aside.
2️⃣ Cook the Sausage & Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a skillet:
Brown the sausage slices (3–4 min). Remove.
Add shrimp with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder & smoked paprika. Cook 2–3 min per side until pink. Remove.
3️⃣ Make the Sauce
In the same skillet:
Melt butter → sauté garlic, onion & bell pepper for 3–4 min.
Add diced tomatoes, heavy cream, broth, Cajun seasoning & cayenne. Simmer 5–6 min.
Stir in Parmesan + half the mozzarella until smooth & creamy.
4️⃣ Combine & Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Toss pasta with sauce, fold in sausage & shrimp.
Transfer to a greased baking dish.
Top with remaining mozzarella.
Bake 10–12 min until bubbly & golden.
5️⃣ Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy this spicy, creamy Southern masterpiece!