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A taste of New Orleans in a bowl! This creamy pasta features spicy Tasso ham and succulent shrimp, all tossed in a rich parmesan cream sauce with the classic Cajun holy trinity. It's a comforting, flavorful dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Cook the pasta: Bring 4 quarts of water and 1 tablespoon of salt to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add the penne and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Just before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Sauté aromatics: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced tasso ham and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to crisp. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery (the Cajun holy trinity). Sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and sprinkle with the Cajun seasoning. Cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes, just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Do not overcook. Immediately remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Build the sauce: Pour the chicken broth into the hot skillet to deglaze, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 1 minute. Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Finish and combine: Remove the skillet from the heat. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it's completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with black pepper and taste for salt, adding more if needed. Return the cooked shrimp and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until well-coated. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
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A taste of New Orleans in a bowl! This creamy pasta features spicy Tasso ham and succulent shrimp, all tossed in a rich parmesan cream sauce with the classic Cajun holy trinity. It's a comforting, flavorful dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.
This cajun_creole recipe takes 35 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 877.74 calories per serving with 52.96g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for dinner or lunch.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Replace the tasso and shrimp with 1 lb of sliced andouille sausage or diced chicken breast.
Omit the tasso and shrimp. Sauté 8 oz of sliced cremini mushrooms with the holy trinity and add a cup of fresh spinach to the sauce at the end until wilted.
For a less rich sauce, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk. The sauce will be thinner but still flavorful.
Incorporate other vegetables like sliced zucchini, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.
Shrimp is a fantastic source of high-quality, lean protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Shrimp provides a significant amount of the essential mineral selenium, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage, supports immune function, and is vital for thyroid health.
The pasta in this dish supplies complex carbohydrates, which are the body's main source of fuel, providing sustained energy for your daily activities and brain function.
A 1.5-cup serving of this dish contains approximately 1050-1150 calories. It is a rich and indulgent meal, primarily due to the heavy cream, cheese, tasso ham, and pasta.
This is a decadent dish that is high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium. While it contains beneficial protein from shrimp, it's best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat rather than a regular part of a health-focused diet.
Tasso ham is a spicy, heavily smoked pork shoulder used in Cajun cooking. If you can't find it, you can substitute it with andouille sausage, smoked ham, or pancetta. The flavor will be different but still delicious.
Cream-based pasta dishes are best served immediately, as the sauce can separate or become oily upon reheating. For best results, you can prep the vegetables and tasso ahead of time to make the cooking process faster.
If your sauce is too thick, stir in a small amount of the reserved pasta water until it reaches the desired consistency. If it's too thin, allow it to simmer on low heat for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken.