Chorizo Pasta Cajun Shrimp and Chorizo Pasta - Penne in a Rich and Creamy Sauce
This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chorizo Pasta combines tender shrimp, smoky chorizo, colorful vegetables, and perfectly cooked penne tossed in a rich, velvety Cajun-spiced cream sauce. Bold, comforting, and full of Southern-inspired flavor, it’s a restaurant-quality dinner made easily at home.
Equipment
- large pot for boiling pasta
- large skillet for cooking chorizo, shrimp, and sauce
- colander for draining pasta
- wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- chef’s knife for chopping vegetables
Ingredients
- 12–16 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz chorizo, sliced or crumbled
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2–2 cups half-and-half
- 1/2–1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1–2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chorizo until browned and slightly crisp. Remove from the pan and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of grease in the pan for flavor.
- Add butter if needed, then sauté onion, bell peppers, and mushrooms for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning and stir to coat evenly.
- Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in half-and-half and simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan gradually until melted and smooth. Return chorizo to the pan. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Add cooked penne to the skillet and toss until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Cajun spice. Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh herbs.
Notes
Adjust the spice level by reducing cayenne and red pepper flakes for a milder version. Use smoked turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork chorizo if preferred. Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese. If the sauce thickens too much, loosen it with reserved pasta water. Cream-based sauces may slightly change texture after freezing; stir gently while reheating to restore creaminess.
Nutrition
Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 32gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 185mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 620mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 2100IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 260mgIron: 3.2mg
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