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Flavorful Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet

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A quick and easy 30-minute skillet meal combining smoky sausage, tender shrimp, and colorful veggies with bold Cajun seasoning for a flavorful and comforting dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 12 ounces smoked Andouille or kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients (5-7 minutes): Peel and devein the shrimp if needed. Slice the smoked sausage into 1/2-inch rounds. Thinly slice the bell peppers and onion, and mince the garlic. Measure Cajun seasoning and chicken broth.
  2. Heat the Skillet (2 minutes): Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in your skillet until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Sauté the Sausage (5 minutes): Add the sliced sausage to the hot skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on both sides and fat starts to render, about 4-5 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside, leaving oil in pan.
  4. Cook the Vegetables (5-6 minutes): Add sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Stir occasionally until softened and starting to caramelize, about 5-6 minutes. Add minced garlic in the last minute to avoid burning.
  5. Season and Combine (2 minutes): Return sausage to skillet with veggies. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning evenly over mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
  6. Add Shrimp and Broth (4-5 minutes): Arrange shrimp in a single layer over sausage and veggies. Pour 1/4 cup chicken broth around edges of skillet (not over shrimp). Cover loosely and cook 4-5 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque.
  7. Final Touches (1 minute): Stir gently to combine flavors. Taste and add salt or extra Cajun seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley on top.
  8. Serve: Plate skillet with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.

Notes

Keep an eye on shrimp to avoid overcooking; they cook quickly and become rubbery if overdone. Browning the sausage first adds deep smoky flavor and renders fat that flavors the dish. Use fresh or fully thawed shrimp and pat dry to avoid excess moisture. Adjust spice level with crushed red pepper flakes if desired. For gluten-free, verify sausage label or use gluten-free sausage. This dish can be served over rice, grits, or with bread. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp, sausage skillet, quick dinner, easy Cajun recipe, spicy shrimp, Andouille sausage, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/flavorful-cajun-shrimp-and-sausage-skillet-easy-30-minute-dinner-recipe/