This hearty dish combines juicy shrimp and flavorful sausage, smothered in a tasty sauce that brings everything together. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
Every bite bursts with flavor, and I love how simple it is to whip up. Serve it over rice or pasta for a cozy meal that feels fancy but is super easy to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect for this recipe. If you’re watching your budget, frozen shrimp work just as well. Make sure to thaw them properly before use. Alternatively, you can use chicken or any firm white fish if you prefer.
Smoked Sausage: Andouille adds a nice smokiness, but Kielbasa or any smoked sausage can substitute. For a lighter option, turkey sausage is great too! If you’re vegetarian, consider using smoked tempeh or mushrooms for similar texture and flavor.
Cream: Heavy cream delivers richness, but half-and-half or coconut milk can lighten things up. Don’t have either? You can also create a sauce with sour cream and milk mixed together for a creamy finish.
Seasonings: Cajun or Creole seasoning is key for flavor. If you don’t have these, a mix of paprika, thyme, and garlic powder will work in a pinch. Always season to your taste!
How Do You Get the Sauce Just Right?
Getting the sauce to the perfect thickness is essential for smothered shrimp and sausage. The flour helps with this, so be sure to cook it lightly with the veggies to eliminate that raw taste.
- After cooking the sausage, sauté your onions and bell peppers until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the flour and mix it into the vegetables.
- Pour in chicken broth slowly while stirring well to mix everything, scraping any flavorful bits from the pan.
- Let the heavy cream simmer gently on low heat. Allow the sauce to thicken before returning the sausage and adding shrimp.
- Make sure to let the shrimp cook just until they turn pink; overcooking can result in rubbery shrimp!
How to Make Smothered Shrimp and Sausage
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb smoked sausage (such as Andouille or Kielbasa), sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon Cajun or Creole seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time for this recipe is about 30 minutes. You’ll spend approximately 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking everything to perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
Begin by heating the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, until they soften. This will add great flavor to your dish!
3. Add Garlic and Flour:
Now, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Next, sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir well to combine. This is a key step for making your sauce thick and creamy.
4. Build the Sauce:
Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to scrape up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Then, add the diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well.
5. Simmer the Sauce:
Lower the heat, then stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to gently simmer for about 5 minutes until it starts to thicken up beautifully.
6. Combine Shrimp and Sausage:
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Now, add the shrimp and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them!
7. Adjust Seasoning:
Give it a taste! Adjust any seasonings if needed, adding a bit more salt or pepper if you like.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Finally, garnish your dish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve it hot over cooked rice, grits, or pasta. Enjoy this rich, flavorful, and comforting Smothered Shrimp and Sausage!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?
Absolutely! If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them fully in the refrigerator or under cold running water before adding them to the dish. Pat them dry to help prevent excess moisture in the sauce.
What Can I Substitute for the Smoked Sausage?
If you don’t have smoked sausage on hand, you can use turkey sausage, kielbasa, or even chicken sausage for a lighter option. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, smoked tempeh or mushrooms can add similar flavors and texture!
Can This Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the sausage and vegetables ahead of time, and store them in the refrigerator. Just follow the cooking steps when you’re ready to eat. The dish is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What Can I Serve With Smothered Shrimp and Sausage?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, grits, or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread for dunking or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
