Smothered Shrimp and Sausage is a warm and hearty dish that’s full of flavor. With juicy shrimp, tasty sausage, and a tasty sauce, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner!
You can serve it over rice or with some crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce. Trust me, it’s hard to stop eating once you start! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh, raw shrimp adds the best flavor and texture. If you’re allergic, consider using chicken or tofu instead. Frozen shrimp works too; just thaw before using.
Smoked Sausage: Andouille sausage gives great flavor, but you can use kielbasa, chorizo, or any smoked sausage you prefer. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try turkey sausage!
Cream: Heavy cream creates a rich sauce. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or coconut milk. Note that using coconut milk will change the flavor slightly.
Tomatoes: You can use fresh tomatoes or canned. If fresh aren’t available, diced tomatoes in a can are an excellent choice! Just drain them slightly if they are packed in liquid.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a unique depth of flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika works, but you can add a little extra cayenne for depth. Don’t skip the seasoning!
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Cooked Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp is simple, but timing is key! Overcooking makes shrimp rubbery. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Only cook your shrimp for about 3-5 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
- Keep a close eye; once they start curling up, they’re nearly done!
- If you’re unsure, take one out and cut it in half. It should look pearly and not translucent inside.
With these little tips, your shrimp will be tender and bursting with flavor! Enjoy your cooking adventure with Smothered Shrimp and Sausage!
How to Make Smothered Shrimp and Sausage
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb (225g) smoked sausage (e.g., Andouille or kielbasa), sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice or crusty bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook, making a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Sausage:
Start by heating the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced sausage. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes until brown. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside to keep its delicious flavor.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Using the same skillet (don’t clean it just yet!), add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté these for about 4-5 minutes until they soften up. Stirring occasionally will help everything cook evenly!
3. Add Seasonings and Garlic:
Time to boost the flavor! Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Let this cook for about 1 minute until it smells amazing and fragrant.
4. Incorporate the Tomatoes:
Now, stir in the diced tomatoes (canned or fresh). Allow the mixture to cook for another 3-4 minutes until it thickens a bit. This will create a lovely base for your sauce!
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring it well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, which will make everything cozy and creamy together.
6. Combine with Shrimp and Sausage:
Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Then, add the raw shrimp and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked. Make sure not to overcook them!
7. Taste and Adjust:
Take a moment to taste your creation and adjust the seasoning if needed. Do you want it spicier? Add more cayenne! Like it more savory? A touch more salt will do!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s all perfect, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it hot over cooked white rice or with crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce. Enjoy your flavorful Smothered Shrimp and Sausage dish!
This meal is creamy, savory, and beautifully spiced—everyone will be reaching for seconds!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely first. You can do this by leaving them in the refrigerator overnight or placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut milk works well, though it will add a subtle coconut flavor to the dish.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to avoid overheating or splattering.
Can I Pre-Make This Dish?
You can prepare the sausage and veggie mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it, add the shrimp, and finish cooking. This way, you’ll save time during dinner preparation!
