FIRST STEP: COOK THE PASTA

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or linguine pasta and a pinch of salt. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for later use. Set the cooked pasta aside.
2. Toss with Olive Oil: Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over the pasta to prevent it from sticking. Stir well to coat.

SECOND STEP: COOK THE SHRIMP AND SAUSAGE

1. Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken Sausage: In the same skillet, add the sliced chicken sausage. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until the sausage is browned and heated through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside with the shrimp.

THIRD STEP: MAKE THE CAJUN SAUCE

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and the vegetables soften.
2. Add the Spices: Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, oregano, and thyme. Stir the spices into the vegetables and cook for another minute, allowing the spices to become fragrant.
3. Add the Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

FOURTH STEP: COMBINE THE PASTA, SHRIMP, AND SAUSAGE

1. Add the Proteins: Return the cooked shrimp and chicken sausage to the skillet with the sauce. Stir gently to coat them in the creamy sauce.
2. Toss in the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
3. Simmer: Let everything simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

FINAL STEP: GARNISH AND SERVE

1. Garnish: Sprinkle the pasta with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color. Optionally, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor and heat.
2. Serve: Divide the pasta among plates and serve immediately while hot. Enjoy the creamy, spicy goodness of Cajun shrimp pasta with chicken sausage.