Introduction
This delightful cavatappi pasta dish combines the bold flavors of smoked andouille sausage and shrimp, creating a creamy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With a blend of aromatic spices, fresh ingredients, and a comforting sauce, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 pound cavatappi pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning, divided
¼ cup unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup vegetable broth, or more as needed
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan
½ teaspoon dried thyme
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup corn kernels (frozen, canned, or roasted)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Cook Pasta
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook cavatappi pasta according to package instructions; drain well.
Cook Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced smoked andouille sausage and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside and drain excess fat.
Cook Shrimp
Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with 1½ teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
Prepare Sauce
Melt unsalted butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook until it becomes lightly browned, about 1 minute.
Combine Ingredients
Gradually whisk in vegetable broth, heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan, dried thyme, and the remaining 1½ teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning. Cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce slightly thickens, about 2-3 minutes. If the mixture is too thick, add more vegetable broth as needed. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Add Pasta and Other Ingredients
Stir in the cooked pasta, sausage, shrimp, and corn kernels. Gently toss to combine all ingredients.
Serve
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh chives if desired.
Notes
Ingredient Variations
Feel free to substitute other types of pasta or sausage as per your taste preferences.
Cooking Time
Total cooking time for the dish is approximately 30-35 minutes.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of vegetable broth.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Boiling Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil before adding cavatappi pasta. Cook according to package instructions, ensuring it is al dente. Drain well afterward to prevent sogginess.
Sautéing Sausage
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced smoked andouille sausage and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Stir frequently for even cooking, then set aside and drain excess fat.
Cooking Shrimp
Season the peeled and deveined medium shrimp with Old Bay Seasoning. In the same skillet used for sausage, add shrimp and cook until pink, around 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside after cooking.
Making Roux
In the skillet, melt unsalted butter and add minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, approximately 1-2 minutes. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook until lightly browned, about 1 minute. This base thickens the sauce.
Creating the Sauce
Gradually whisk in vegetable broth and heavy cream to the roux. Add freshly grated Parmesan, dried thyme, and the remaining Old Bay Seasoning. Cook while whisking constantly until slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Adjust thickness with more vegetable broth if necessary and season with salt and pepper.
Combining Ingredients
Add cooked pasta, sausage, shrimp, and corn into the sauce. Gently toss everything together to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce.
Garnishing
Serve the pasta dish immediately, garnished with freshly chopped chives if desired for added flavor and presentation.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute cavatappi with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti, though cooking times may vary.
Is it possible to make this dish without shrimp?
Absolutely! You can omit the shrimp or replace it with another protein like chicken or a vegetarian option like tofu.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream substitute, although it may alter the final texture slightly.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can reduce the amount of Old Bay Seasoning or use a milder seasoning blend if you prefer less spice.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if the dish is too thick.
Conclusion
This delicious cavatappi pasta dish featuring smoked andouille sausage and shrimp is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The creamy sauce, enhanced by Old Bay Seasoning, ties all the ingredients together beautifully. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at your table.
Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta
Combine shrimp with steamed broccoli for a nutritious twist, and use the same creamy sauce to create a flavorful dish.
Cajun Chicken Pasta
Substitute the shrimp and sausage with grilled Cajun-spiced chicken and add bell peppers for an extra kick.
Vegetarian Cavatappi
Replace sausage and shrimp with sautéed mushrooms and zucchini, and keep the creamy sauce for a satisfying vegetarian option.
Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta
Use spicy Italian sausage in place of smoked andouille, adding red pepper flakes for an extra layer of heat.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Add a zesty twist by incorporating lemon juice and zest into the cream sauce, enhancing the shrimp’s flavor.
Chorizo and Corn Pasta
Swap smoked sausage for chorizo, and maintain the corn for a flavorful combination with a touch of spice.
