Cajun Shrimp and Smoked Sausage Tortellini
Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of New Orleans with this delightful Cajun Shrimp and Smoked Sausage Tortellini. Combining the creamy richness of heavy cream with the spicy kick of Creole seasonings, this dish showcases succulent shrimp and smoky sausage mingling together with fresh vegetables. Tossed with cheese tortellini for a satisfying texture, it's comfort food with a Creole twist that is perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends. Pair it with crusty French bread and a crisp salad for a complete meal. Don't hesitate to add catfish nuggets if you're craving even more seafood—it’s a truly versatile dish!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen cheese tortellini
19 ounces (Cook according to package instructions, then drain and rinse.)
Olive oil
1 teaspoon (Use for tossing the pasta.)
Large shrimp
1 lb (Peeled and deveined.)
Smoked sausage
8 ounces (Chopped into small cubes.)
Onion
1 large (Chopped.)
Celery
1/4 cup (Finely chopped.)
Green bell pepper
1/2 (Chopped.)
Red bell pepper
1/2 (Chopped.)
Garlic clove
1 large (Minced.)
Fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons (Fresh, whole leaves.)
Fresh oregano
1 teaspoon (Chopped.)
Unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (For sautéing.)
Heavy cream
1 cup (Used for the sauce.)
Dry white wine
1/4 cup (For deglazing the pan.)
Creole seasoning
2 teaspoons (For seasoning the dish.)
Louisiana hot sauce
1 teaspoon (For added spice.)
Fresh black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Ground fresh.)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (Freshly grated for serving.)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the frozen cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, or until they start to float. Drain and rinse under cold water. Toss with olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
2
In a large saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add chopped smoked sausage and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the sausage is browned and heated through.
3
Stir in the chopped onion, celery, green and red bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
4
Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for about 2 minutes until they turn pink and opaque, stirring gently.
5
Pour in the dry white wine, followed by the heavy cream, Creole seasoning, fresh thyme, oregano, hot sauce, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well and reduce heat to medium. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
6
Combine the cooked tortellini with the sauce, ensuring every piece is well coated. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture, allowing it to melt into the delicious sauce.
7
Serve immediately while hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired. Accompany with crusty French bread, butter, and a side salad. For a complete dining experience, consider pairing with a chilled glass of Chardonnnay.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent the cheese tortellini from sticking together?
After boiling and draining the tortellini, rinse them under cold water and toss with one teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh tortellini, but adjust the boiling time as they usually cook faster than frozen varieties.
What type of shrimp is best for this Cajun recipe?
Use large shrimp that have been peeled and deveined for the best texture and presentation.
How long should I sauté the smoked sausage?
Sauté the chopped smoked sausage for 3-4 minutes until it is browned and heated through.
Should the shrimp be cooked before adding them to the pan?
No, add raw shrimp to the pan after the vegetables have softened and cook for about 2 minutes until they turn pink.
How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?
The shrimp are done when they lose their translucency and become pink and opaque.
Can I substitute the tortellini with another type of pasta?
Yes, you can use penne, rotini, or fettuccine, though the cheese filling in the tortellini adds a specific creaminess.
What vegetables make up the base of this dish?
The dish uses a classic combination of onion, celery, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper.
How should I prepare the celery for this recipe?
The celery should be finely chopped so it softens properly during the short sautéing time.
Do I need to leave the tails on the shrimp?
It is recommended to use fully peeled shrimp for easier eating within the pasta dish.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but you may want to reduce the amount of added Creole seasoning to avoid making the dish too salty.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream in the sauce?
You can use half-and-half, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich than the original version.
What can I use if I do not want to use white wine?
You can substitute the white wine with an equal amount of chicken broth or vegetable stock.
What kind of white wine works best for deglazing?
A dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, is best for this recipe.
What is in Creole seasoning?
Creole seasoning is typically a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and various herbs and peppers.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh thyme and oregano?
Yes, use about 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs compared to the fresh herbs called for in the recipe.
What type of smoked sausage is recommended?
Andouille sausage is a traditional choice for Cajun dishes, but any high-quality smoked sausage works well.
Is there a replacement for Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano or Asiago are good substitutes that offer a similar salty, nutty profile.
Can I add other types of seafood to this dish?
Absolutely; catfish nuggets are a great addition if you want to increase the seafood variety.
How can I make the dish less spicy?
To reduce the heat, omit the Louisiana hot sauce and use a mild version of Creole seasoning.
What side dishes pair well with this tortellini?
It is best served with crusty French bread and a crisp side salad.
What wine should I serve with this meal?
A chilled glass of Chardonnay pairs excellently with the creamy Cajun sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on the ingredients, this recipe typically serves 4 to 6 people.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
It is best enjoyed immediately, but you can prepare the sauce and pasta separately and combine them when ready.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze Cajun Shrimp and Smoked Sausage Tortellini?
Freezing is not recommended as the heavy cream sauce may separate and the tortellini may become mushy when thawed.
How long do I boil the tortellini?
Boil them according to the package instructions, usually until they begin to float on the surface of the water.
Why use unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter allows you to better control the salt content, especially since Creole seasoning can be quite salty.
How do I thicken the sauce?
The sauce will naturally thicken slightly as it simmers with the heavy cream for 3-4 minutes.
Which hot sauce is best for this recipe?
A Louisiana-style hot sauce is recommended to maintain the authentic New Orleans flavor profile.