Garnishes:
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Chopped green onions
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Fresh parsley
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Lemon wedges
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Parmesan (non-traditional but delicious, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook the noodles according to package directions until al dente.
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Drain and toss with a touch of butter or oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Season & Sear the Shrimp and Sausage
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In a bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tsp of Cajun seasoning and a splash of olive oil.
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Heat a large skillet or deep sauté pan over medium-high heat. Sear sausage slices until browned. Remove and set aside.
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In the same pan, sear shrimp for about 1–2 minutes per side, just until pink. Remove and set aside with sausage.
Step 3: Make the New Orleans BBQ Sauce
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Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the pan.
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Once melted, add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant (1 minute).
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Stir in Worcestershire, hot sauce, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, cayenne, stock, and a pinch of black pepper.
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Simmer for 5–7 minutes, whisking occasionally, until slightly thickened.
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Taste and adjust — more lemon for tang, sugar for balance, or hot sauce for heat.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
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Return shrimp and sausage to the pan. Toss to coat in the buttery BBQ sauce.
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Add cooked noodles directly to the pan. Toss everything until well combined and the sauce coats the noodles.
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Cook on low heat for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors marry.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
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Plate the noodles and top with extra shrimp, sausage, and spoonfuls of sauce.
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Garnish with chopped green onions, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
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Add a sprinkle of parmesan if desired — it’s non-traditional, but tasty.
Tips & Variations
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More Creamy? Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese for a creamy Cajun twist.
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Add Veggies: Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms sautéed with the garlic work beautifully.
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Make it Spicier: Use extra cayenne or add sliced jalapeños.
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No sausage? Use chicken, crawfish, or just more shrimp.
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Low-carb version: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Storage
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Fridge: Keeps well for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.
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Freezing: Sauce and shrimp can be frozen, but noodles are best fresh.
Final Thoughts
New Orleans BBQ Shrimp & Sausage Noodles are rich, spicy, and irresistibly buttery — a dish that tastes like Bourbon Street in a bowl. Whether you’re craving something soul-warming or impressing guests with bold Southern flavors, this fusion dish delivers big-time flavor and comfort.
