Creamy Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Pasta

• ½ pound - gemelli or other short pasta
• 1 tablespoon - olive oil
• 4 ounce - raw shrimp
• 1 teaspoon - salt
• ½ teaspoon - black pepper
• ½ teaspoon - Cajun seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon - paprika
• ¼ teaspoon - onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon - garlic powder
• 4 ounce - Cajun sausage
• 2 tablespoon - unsalted butter
• ½  - yellow onion
• 4 cloves - garlic
• 1 ½ cup - heavy cream
• ¾ cup - Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup - mozzarella cheese
• ⅛  - Reserved pasta water

Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve about 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp and season with salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
3. Cook shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink, then remove from the skillet.
4. In the same pan, add sliced Cajun sausage and cook until browned and crispy. Remove and set aside.
5. Add butter to the skillet along with diced onion and a pinch of salt. Cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
6. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
7. Return shrimp and sausage to the skillet. Stir to combine.
8. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Season with the same Cajun spices used before, to taste.
9. Add cooked pasta to the sauce, followed by Parmesan and mozzarella. Stir until melted and creamy.
10. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Simmer together for 2–3 minutes.
11. Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan if desired.