CAJUN SHRIMP PASTA WITH SAUSAGE

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CAJUN SHRIMP PASTA WITH SAUSAGE

Ingredients :

½ pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed

1 andouille sausage, about ½ pound, sliced into rounds

1 – 2 tablespoons cajun/creole spice mix, adjust to your spice/heat level

Olive oil

½ medium yellow onion, thinly sliced

½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 tablespoon cajun/creole spice mix

1 teaspoon brown sugar

1 – 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped (1 large or 2 small)

½ cup crushed tomatoes

¾ cup chicken broth

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

¾ cup heavy cream, or ½ & ½ (I prefer heavy cream!!)

12 ounces fettuccine or farfalle (bowties)

Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper

Grated Parmesan and chopped parsley, for serving

Directions :

Bring large pot of water to boil for pasta. Toss shrimp with 1 – 2 tablespoons of cajun seasoning and coat well. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and drizzle bottom of pan with olive oil. Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes or so until starting to curl. Flip shrimp over and cook another minute or two and then remove to a plate and set aside. Drizzle pan with a little more olive oil, add sausage and brown until nicely caramelized, about 4 – 5 minutes. Remove to plate, set aside.

Add pasta to salted boiling water and cook until al dente, a minute less than package instructions.

Lower heat to medium and add another good drizzle of olive oil to the pan, add the onion, red bell pepper, thyme, smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning, brown sugar and a generous pinch of salt. Sauté until onion and pepper have softened a bit, scraping up any browned bits that you can. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce and bring to a simmer, stirring and scraping up any brown bits from bottom of pan, simmer a couple minutes. Add cream and stir to combine, bring to a simmer. Once simmering, add cooked pasta and andouille sausage and stir to combine and heat through, 2 – 3 minutes. Add more chicken broth or cream if it seems dry or you’d like more sauce (I added ¼ cup of each). Salt and pepper to taste and then lastly, add blackened shrimp and combine, or place shrimp on top of pasta. Sprinkle with some more freshly cracked black pepper, grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Enjoy!

Benefits of the 4-Ingredient Cheap Delicious Meal

  1. Affordability:
    • This recipe costs around $5, making it a budget-friendly option for individuals and families looking to save on meal expenses.
  2. Simplicity:
    • With only four main ingredients, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal preparation time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or beginner cooks.
  3. Quick Preparation:
    • The preparation and cooking time are relatively short, allowing you to have a warm, hearty meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
  4. Versatility:
    • The recipe is highly adaptable. You can easily double it to serve more people or modify the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
  5. Convenience:
    • Using canned ingredients and pre-made biscuits reduces the need for extensive grocery shopping and preparation, providing a convenient meal solution.
  6. Balanced Nutrition:
    • The combination of chicken, vegetables, and cream of chicken soup provides a good mix of protein, vitamins, and minerals. The vegetable medley adds essential nutrients, while the chicken provides a lean source of protein.
  7. Comfort Food:
    • The creamy texture and warm biscuits offer a comforting, home-cooked meal experience that is perfect for cozy dinners.
  8. Minimal Cleanup:
    • With just one baking dish used for cooking, this recipe requires minimal cleanup, saving you time and effort after your meal.
  9. Family-Friendly:
    • The mild flavors and familiar ingredients make this dish appealing to both kids and adults, ensuring that everyone at the table will enjoy it.
  10. Storage and Leftovers:
    • Leftovers can be easily stored in the refrigerator and reheated for a quick and easy meal the next day, reducing food waste and saving you time on future meals.

This recipe not only provides a delicious and satisfying meal but also offers numerous practical benefits, making it a great addition to your regular meal rotation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for the 4-Ingredient Cheap Delicious Meal

Q1: Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned chicken? A1: Yes, you can use fresh or cooked chicken breast. Simply shred or dice the chicken before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Q2: What if I don’t have a vegetable medley? A2: You can substitute the vegetable medley with any canned or frozen vegetables you have on hand, such as peas, carrots, corn, or green beans.

Q3: Can I use a different type of soup instead of cream of chicken? A3: Yes, cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can be used as a substitute for cream of chicken soup.

Q4: How can I make this recipe gluten-free? A4: Use gluten-free biscuits and ensure that the soup and other canned ingredients are labeled gluten-free.

Q5: Can I add other ingredients to this recipe? A5: Absolutely! You can add additional spices, cheese, or other preferred ingredients to customize the dish to your liking.

Q6: How do I know when the biscuits are fully cooked? A6: The biscuits are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you’re unsure, you can also check the bottom of the biscuits to ensure they are cooked through.

Q7: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? A7: You can prepare the chicken, vegetable, and soup mixture in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, simply top with the biscuits and follow the baking instructions.

Q8: What can I serve with this meal? A8: This dish pairs well with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or a simple fruit salad to round out the meal.

Q9: How should I store leftovers? A9: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Q10: Can I freeze this dish? A10: Yes, you can freeze the cooked mixture (without the biscuits) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then top with fresh biscuits and bake as directed.

Q11: How do I prevent the biscuits from becoming soggy? A11: To prevent sogginess, ensure the biscuit pieces are evenly spread and not overlapping too much. Additionally, brushing with melted butter and briefly broiling at the end helps to crisp up the tops.

Q12: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? A12: Yes, you can prepare the chicken, vegetable, and soup mixture in a slow cooker on low for 3-4 hours. Add the biscuits in the last hour of cooking, turning to high to ensure they cook through.

This Q&A should help address common questions and provide additional guidance for making this simple, delicious, and budget-friendly meal.

Variations and Tips for the 4-Ingredient Cheap Delicious Meal

Variations:

  1. Protein Alternatives:
    • Turkey: Substitute canned chicken with canned turkey or leftover cooked turkey.
    • Tuna: Use canned tuna for a seafood twist.
    • Ground Meat: Browned ground chicken, turkey, or beef can be used in place of canned chicken.
  2. Vegetable Options:
    • Fresh Vegetables: Use fresh chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, corn, and green beans. Steam or blanch them before mixing.
    • Frozen Vegetables: A bag of mixed frozen vegetables works well and can be added directly without thawing.
  3. Soup Substitutes:
    • Cream of Mushroom: Adds a different flavor profile with a hint of earthiness.
    • Cream of Celery: Provides a lighter, slightly tangy taste.
  4. Cheesy Addition:
    • Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite) into the mixture for extra creaminess and flavor.
    • Topping: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or shredded cheese on top of the biscuits before baking.
  5. Herbs and Spices:
    • Herbs: Add dried or fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary for an enhanced flavor.
    • Spices: Incorporate paprika, cumin, or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
  6. Biscuit Alternatives:
    • Crescent Rolls: Use crescent roll dough instead of biscuits for a flakier topping.
    • Pie Crust: Lay a sheet of pie crust over the top for a pot pie variation.

Tips:

  1. Consistent Biscuit Cooking:
    • Ensure biscuits are evenly spaced and not too thick to promote even cooking.
    • If the biscuits start to brown too quickly, cover the dish with foil and continue baking until the mixture is bubbly and the biscuits are fully cooked.
  2. Thicker Filling:
    • If you prefer a thicker filling, reduce the amount of water added or let the mixture simmer on the stove for a few minutes before transferring to the baking dish.
  3. Broiling for Crispiness:
    • Keep a close eye on the dish during the broiling step to prevent burning. The broiler works quickly, so check after 1 minute.
  4. Doubling the Recipe:
    • Use a larger baking dish and double all ingredients. Increase the baking time as needed to ensure the biscuits are cooked through.
  5. Serving Suggestions:
    • Pair with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
    • Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
  6. Storage and Reheating:
    • For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven to maintain the biscuit texture. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.

By trying these variations and following these tips, you can customize the recipe to your preferences and ensure a perfect meal every time.

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