The Ultimate Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta With Sausage Recipe

Weeknight dinners just got a spicy upgrade with this creamy cajun shrimp pasta that brings the heat and flavor of New Orleans right to your table.

Bold seasonings dance across succulent shrimp and hearty sausage, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

Each forkful promises a symphony of rich, creamy textures blended with zesty cajun spices.

The pasta catches every drop of the luxurious sauce, ensuring no flavor gets left behind.

Tender shrimp and smoky sausage mingle in a decadent cream sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal you can whip up in under 30 minutes.

Prepare to be the culinary hero at your dinner table with this irresistible cajun-inspired pasta.

Why Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Is So Bold

• This recipe delivers a mouthwatering combination of spicy Cajun seasoning, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked shrimp and sausage that'll make your taste buds dance with joy.
• Even novice cooks can nail this dish with simple steps and straightforward techniques that guarantee a restaurant-quality meal without intimidating kitchen skills.
• Swap ingredients, adjust spice levels, or add extra veggies to make this recipe uniquely yours, giving you the freedom to experiment and create a personalized dinner experience.
• Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor come together in a single pan, making this recipe a lifesaver for busy home cooks who want delicious food without mountains of dishes afterward.

What You’ll Need for Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Main Ingredients:

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides a delicate and tender protein base for the pasta dish.
• Smoked Sausage: Adds a rich, smoky flavor and hearty texture to the meal.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful liquid foundation for the creamy sauce.

• Fettuccine or Penne: Serves as the primary carbohydrate and carrier for the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Provides a luxurious and smooth base for the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a sharp, salty finish to enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Add sweetness, crunch, and depth to the dish's flavor.
• Garlic: Provides an aromatic and pungent undertone to the sauce.
• Cajun Seasoning: Delivers a signature spicy and bold flavor characteristic of Cajun cuisine.
• Parsley: Brings a fresh, bright garnish to complete the presentation.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings and cooking medium that help develop the dish's foundational flavors.

How to Cook Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Drop in the fettuccine and cook until it reaches al dente perfection.

Drain the pasta, keeping a small cup of pasta water on standby for later use.

Step 2: Sizzle the Sausage

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Slide in the sliced smoked sausage and let it dance and brown for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy.

Remove the sausage and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Soften the Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Chopped bell peppers

Stir and cook until the vegetables become tender and slightly translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Bloom the Spices

Toss in minced garlic and Cajun seasoning.

Stir quickly for about 60 seconds, allowing the spices to release their aromatic magic without burning.

Step 5: Cook the Seafood

Season shrimp with salt and pepper.

Add to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and plump, roughly 2-3 minutes.

Transfer to the plate with sausage.

Step 6: Whip Up the Sauce

Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet.

Simmer and stir until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 7: Marry the Pasta

Introduce the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce.

Toss gently to ensure every strand gets a luxurious coating.

Add reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.

Step 8: Reunite Protein and Pasta

Carefully fold the sausage and shrimp back into the skillet.

Stir until everything is heated through and beautifully combined.

Step 9: Serve with Flair

Dish out the creamy Cajun pasta onto plates.

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and a handful of grated Parmesan cheese.

Serve immediately and enjoy the flavor explosion!

Tips for Rich and Spicy Cajun Pasta

• Adjust Cajun seasoning to match your heat tolerance, using less for mild palates or adding extra for spice lovers.
• Replace shrimp with chicken or use a mix of proteins for variety if seafood isn't your preference.
• Reserve some pasta water before draining to rescue your sauce if it becomes too thick, ensuring perfect consistency.
• Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, removing them immediately to maintain tender texture and prevent overcooking.
• Experiment with additional vegetables like zucchini or spinach to increase nutritional value and add more color to the dish.

How to Store Cajun Shrimp Pasta

• Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Pack cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months, keeping in mind that cream-based sauces might slightly separate upon thawing.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Stir gently and frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating, about 4-5 minutes until thoroughly warmed.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the pasta reaches desired temperature, typically 1-2 minutes total.

What Sides Work with Cajun Shrimp Pasta

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Complement the spicy Cajun flavors with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. These light, refreshing wines cut through the creamy sauce and balance the dish's bold seasonings perfectly.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Create a delicious sidekick by toasting a baguette with garlic butter. The bread's crispy texture and buttery flavor will soak up the creamy sauce and provide a wonderful contrast to the pasta.
• Match with Zesty Side Salad: Prepare a simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. The salad's bright, acidic notes will help cleanse the palate between rich bites of the creamy Cajun pasta.
• Recommend Cold Beer Pairing: Choose a light lager or wheat beer to cool down the Cajun spice. The beer's crisp, clean finish will refresh your mouth and complement the dish's robust flavors without overwhelming the delicate shrimp and creamy sauce.

Cajun Pasta Twists to Try

• Gluten-Free Pasta Paradise: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free fettuccine or penne made from rice, corn, or quinoa flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Veggie Protein Power: Replace shrimp and sausage with plant-based alternatives like grilled tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas seasoned with Cajun spices for a vegetarian version.
• Lighter Cream Swap: Use coconut milk or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to create a lower-fat, lighter sauce while maintaining creamy texture and flavor.
• Keto-Friendly Noodle Hack: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles to reduce carbohydrates and create a low-carb friendly meal option.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning?

Cajun seasoning is a spicy blend of herbs and spices typically including paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne, oregano, and thyme. It originates from Louisiana and adds a bold, zesty kick to dishes.

• Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Absolutely! Reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild version. You can also substitute with a dash of paprika and black pepper to maintain flavor without intense heat.

• What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?

Medium to large-sized raw shrimp work perfectly. Opt for peeled and deveined shrimp to save preparation time. Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well, just ensure they’re fully thawed before cooking.

• Is smoked sausage necessary for the recipe?

While smoked sausage adds great flavor, you can substitute with andouille sausage for more authentic Cajun taste or use kielbasa if that’s what you have on hand. Vegetarian options like plant-based sausage can also work.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta With Sausage Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy cajun shrimp pasta with sausage blends spicy Louisiana flavors into a mouthwatering one-pot wonder. Zesty sausage and succulent shrimp dance with rich, velvety sauce, promising a culinary journey that satisfies deep hunger and bold taste cravings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 pound smoked sausage (such as Andouille), sliced
• 8 ounces (226 grams) fettuccine or penne pasta

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

Sauce and Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook fettuccine or penne until al dente according to package instructions. Drain pasta, reserving a small amount of cooking water for potential sauce adjustment.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook until golden and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
3. Using the same skillet, sauté diced onions and bell peppers until softened, about 3-4 minutes. The vegetables will release their natural sweetness during cooking.
4. Introduce minced garlic and Cajun seasoning to the skillet. Stir briefly, allowing spices to release their aromatic essence without burning, roughly 1 minute.
5. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Add to the skillet and cook until they transform into a vibrant pink color and become opaque, approximately 2-3 minutes. Transfer shrimp to the bowl with sausage, avoiding overcooking.
6. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, creating a luxurious sauce. Simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Reintroduce pasta to the skillet, coating each strand thoroughly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, incorporate a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
8. Gently fold the reserved shrimp and sausage back into the pasta, ensuring even distribution and complete heating throughout the dish.
9. Plate the creamy Cajun pasta, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley. Optional: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of richness. Serve immediately and relish the complex flavors.

Notes

• Select high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture, ensuring they’re fresh or properly thawed before cooking.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity based on personal spice tolerance, starting with less and adding more gradually.
• Use smoked sausage with minimal moisture to achieve better browning and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• When cooking shrimp, watch carefully to avoid overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version of the sauce.
• For a gluten-free option, replace regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
• Keep extra pasta water handy to rescue the sauce if it becomes too thick or dry during cooking.
• Consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce for enhanced depth and complexity of flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 675
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg