Cooking Instructions:
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta and set it aside.
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook until they're pink and browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the sliced sausage and cook until slightly crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside with the shrimp.
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if necessary, then sauté chopped onions and bell peppers until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Stir in a couple of tablespoons of tomato paste and Cajun seasoning, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the Parmesan cheese to the sauce and let it simmer to thicken, about 5-7 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Finally, add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and sausage back into the skillet. Toss everything together until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the dish garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
For extra tips, consider customizing your Cajun Pasta by swapping out the shrimp for chicken or adding seasonal vegetables like spinach or zucchini. Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your heat preference, and don't forget to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!