ONE PAN CREAMY CAJUN PASTA...WOW! | SAM THE COOKING GUY

bacon

🥗Healthier: turkey bacon

💰Cheaper: pork belly

Turkey bacon reduces fat content while maintaining flavor.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories without sacrificing taste.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil is healthier but vegetable oil is more budget-friendly.

potatoes

🥗Healthier: sweet potatoes

💰Cheaper: frozen hash browns

Sweet potatoes are nutritious, while frozen hash browns save time.

Start by preparing the seasoning mix: combine 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1/2 tablespoon onion powder, 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt, 1/2 tablespoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon cayenne in a bowl and mix well.

Take 1.5 pounds of shrimp and coat them with a couple tablespoons of the seasoning mix.

Heat a pan and add butter and a little olive oil to prevent browning.

Once the pan is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1 minute on each side until they are just cooked through.

Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

In the same pan, add more olive oil and then add the andouille sausage, cooking for a couple of minutes to get color and flavor.

Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the seasoned oil in the pan.

Add chopped red pepper, red onion, and green pepper to the pan and sauté for about 2 minutes until they start to soften.

Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Stir in 1 tablespoon of chipotle paste and cook for a moment to combine.

Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Gradually add in 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and combined into the sauce.

Add the cooked shrimp and sausage back into the pan, mixing well with the sauce.

Add rigatoni pasta to the pan and mix until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.

If the dish seems dry, add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Finish with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens