Shrimp and Tasso Pasta
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.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.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.
- 2
Step 2
- a.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.
- 3
Step 3
- a.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.
- 4
Step 4
- a.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.
- 5
Finish and combine: Remove the skillet from the heat
- a.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.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best sauce, use a block of Parmesan cheese and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
- 2Don't skip reserving the pasta water! The starch in the water is a key ingredient that helps the sauce emulsify and cling perfectly to the pasta.
- 3To prevent a broken or oily sauce, add the Parmesan cheese off the heat. High temperatures can cause the cheese to separate.
- 4This dish comes together quickly, so have all your ingredients chopped and measured (mise en place) before you start cooking.
- 5Shrimp cook in just a few minutes. Remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink to keep them tender and juicy.
- 6Control the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cream sauce for an extra kick.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Replace the tasso and shrimp with 1 lb of sliced andouille sausage or diced chicken breast.
Vegetarian OptionVegetarian Option
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.
Lighter VersionLighter Version
For a less rich sauce, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk. The sauce will be thinner but still flavorful.
Add VeggiesAdd Veggies
Incorporate other vegetables like sliced zucchini, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
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.
Rich in Selenium
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.
Energy-Boosting Carbohydrates
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.
Frequently asked questions
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.