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Classic Creamy Jambalaya Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 119 reviews

Classic Creamy Jambalaya Pasta combines the rich flavors of Cajun-seasoned shrimp, smoky sausage, and a luscious Gruyere-infused cream sauce with tender fettuccine. This cozy and comforting dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that brings a taste of the bayou to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 ounces Fettuccine (Substitute with your favorite pasta shape if desired.)

Seafood & Meat

  • 1 pound Shrimp (Substitute with chicken or tofu if needed.)
  • 8 ounces Sausage (Andouille or another smoky variety.)

Dairy

  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (For better flavor control.)
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream (Can use half-and-half to lighten the sauce.)
  • 8 ounces Gruyere Cheese (Grate your own for the best melt.)

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 Onion (Yellow or white onions based on preference.)
  • 1 Green Pepper (Can mix and match with red for variety.)
  • 1 Red Pepper (Adds sweetness.)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (Fresh minced for depth of flavor.)
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (Diced tomatoes can be substituted if needed.)

Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning (Make your own blend for a personal touch.)
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (Regular paprika can be a milder swap.)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining to help adjust sauce consistency later.
  2. Sear the Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp evenly with Cajun seasoning. Sear the shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to avoid overcooking.
  3. Cook the Sausage and Vegetables: In the same skillet, add sliced sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until it browns and releases its smoky flavor. Add diced onion and both green and red peppers. Cook everything for an additional 4-5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
  4. Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they soften and release juices, creating a flavorful base.
  5. Simmer the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, reduce the heat to medium, and let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  6. Finish the Sauce with Cheese and Paprika: Remove the skillet from heat and immediately add the grated Gruyere cheese and smoked paprika. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely into the sauce, creating a creamy texture and smoky depth.
  7. Toss Pasta and Shrimp in the Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta in the rich cream sauce. Return the sautéed shrimp to the skillet and add reserved pasta water gradually to adjust the sauce consistency according to your preference.
  8. Serve: Plate the creamy jambalaya pasta immediately on warm dishes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired for a touch of freshness and color.

Notes

  • You can substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for different protein options.
  • Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce richness and calories.
  • Make your own Cajun seasoning blend with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano for personalized heat and flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water to help loosen and bind the sauce for a silky texture.
  • Gruyere cheese melts best when freshly grated, but fontina or mozzarella can be used as alternatives.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy texture and avoid the sauce thickening too much.

Keywords: jambalaya pasta, creamy pasta, Cajun shrimp pasta, fettuccine with sausage, creamy Cajun recipe, weeknight dinner pasta, shrimp and sausage pasta

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/classic-creamy-jambalaya-pasta-recipe/