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Cajun Ranch Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Skillet

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A vibrant one-pan pasta skillet combining succulent shrimp, smoky sausage, and a creamy Cajun ranch sauce for a quick, flavorful meal.

Ingredients

8 oz. penne pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

8 oz. smoked sausage, sliced

1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 bell pepper, diced

1 small onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 packet ranch dressing mix

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add diced bell pepper, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are soft and fragrant.
  4. Stir in shrimp, Cajun seasoning, and ranch dressing mix. Cook until shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Remove shrimp and set aside with sausage.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
  6. Add cooked pasta, sausage, and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss to combine and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Vegetarian option: substitute shrimp and sausage with plant-based alternatives or extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning to control spice level.
  • For dairy-free, use coconut milk and dairy-free ranch mix.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently with added chicken broth or water to loosen sauce.
  • Gluten-free option: use gluten-free pasta and certified gluten-free sausage and ranch mix.
  • Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce.

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