Irresistibly Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage You’ll Crave

Creamy Cajun shrimp pasta is a tasty mix of Southern coastal flavors and bold spices.

This lively dish pairs juicy seafood with hearty sausage in a rich, smooth sauce that excites your taste buds.

Inspired by Louisiana cooking traditions, every bite offers something special.

The blend of tender shrimp, smoky sausage, and creamy sauce makes for an unforgettable dinner.

People who love cooking enjoy the mix of textures and strong seasonings in this classic comfort food.

This Cajun-style pasta adds warmth and spice to any meal, turning a regular dinner into something memorable.

Why Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta With Sausage Is A Hit

• Savor Quick Weeknight Comfort: Perfect for busy families craving restaurant-quality meals without extensive preparation time. This one-pan wonder transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner in just 30 minutes.
• Spice Up Your Flavor Adventure: Packed with bold Cajun seasoning and a perfect balance of creamy, zesty elements that dance across your taste buds. Each bite delivers a satisfying combination of tender shrimp, hearty sausage, and rich sauce.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable for different preferences by adjusting spice levels or swapping protein. Great for casual family dinners, weekend gatherings, or impressing dinner guests with minimal culinary expertise required.
• Budget-Friendly Gourmet: Uses accessible ingredients that won't break the bank while creating a restaurant-style meal at home. Minimal cooking skills needed, making it an excellent choice for home cooks looking to elevate their dinner game without complicated techniques.

What Goes In Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta With Sausage

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that adds delicate ocean flavor and tender texture to the dish.
• Sausage: Bold and spicy meat that provides rich, hearty protein and deep flavor complexity.

• Fettuccine: Classic pasta shape that holds creamy sauce beautifully and provides substantial base.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Provides tangy base and authentic sauce foundation with vibrant red color.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky sauce texture with rich and smooth consistency.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps balance sauce consistency.

• Cajun Seasoning: Signature spice blend that delivers authentic Louisiana-style heat and complexity.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing and balancing overall dish flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and traditional seasoning touch.
• Brown Sugar: Introduces subtle sweetness to counterbalance spicy elements.
• Oregano: Provides herbal undertone and traditional Mediterranean herb note.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds robust, pungent flavor base.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty finish and helps thicken sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green garnish with fresh herbal accent.

• Olive Oil: Versatile cooking fat for sautéing and adding subtle fruity undertone.
• Onion: Foundational aromatic vegetable that provides sweet, subtle base flavor.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds color, sweetness, and mild pepper complexity.

How To Cook Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta With Sausage

Step 1: Season And Sizzle Shrimp And Sausage

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cajun seasoning
• Oregano
• Olive oil
• Shrimp
• Sausage

Coat shrimp thoroughly with seasonings. Heat skillet to medium-high and sear shrimp quickly for 2 minutes each side. Remove shrimp. In same pan, brown sausage until edges crisp. Set sausage aside.

Step 2: Boil Perfect Pasta

Bring water to rolling boil, add salt. Cook fettuccine until tender but firm. Drain pasta and reserve.

Step 3: Create Sultry Sauce

• Onions
• Red bell peppers
• Cajun seasoning
• Brown sugar

• Crushed tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Simmer sauce until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Merge Delicious Components

Melt Parmesan cheese into sauce. Fold pasta and sausage into creamy mixture. Warm thoroughly for 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Plate And Finish

Gently fold shrimp back into pasta. Transfer to serving dishes. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Serve immediately while steaming hot.

Smart Tips For Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta With Sausage

• Select Fresh Seafood: Choose plump, fresh shrimp without discoloration or fishy smell for the best flavor and texture.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust Cajun seasoning based on personal heat tolerance by reducing or increasing the amount.
• Perfect Pasta Texture: Cook fettuccine just until al dente to prevent mushy noodles and maintain a satisfying bite.
• Balance Cream Sauce: Stir Parmesan cheese slowly to prevent clumping and create a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Quick Cooking Technique: Cook shrimp and sausage separately to preserve individual flavors and prevent overcooking.

How To Store Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta With Sausage

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the pasta will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Avoid Microwave: Microwaving can make shrimp rubbery and pasta dry. If using a microwave, cover the dish and heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Good Sides For Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta With Sausage

• Perfectly Paired Wine Selections: Choose crisp, citrusy white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cut through the creamy sauce's richness while complementing the Cajun spices.
• Spicy Beverage Companion: Reach for a cold, light beer such as a pilsner or wheat beer that refreshes the palate and balances the dish's spicy, creamy profile without overwhelming the delicate shrimp flavors.
• Citrus-Infused Cocktail Complement: Mix a zesty margarita or a bright gin and tonic with extra lime to enhance the seafood's freshness and provide a tangy counterpoint to the heavy cream and Cajun seasoning.
• Refreshing Non-Alcoholic Option: Brew a chilled cucumber-mint lemonade that offers a cool, herbal brightness to match the pasta's complex flavors and cleanse the palate between bites.

Fun Variations For Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta With Sausage

• Vegetarian Veggie Swap: Replace shrimp and sausage with grilled portobello mushrooms and plant-based sausage, maintaining the Cajun seasoning profile for robust flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute fettuccine with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta, ensuring the same creamy texture and spicy essence.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use spiralized butternut squash noodles instead of traditional pasta, keeping the rich Cajun cream sauce and protein components.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast, creating a similar creamy consistency while accommodating dairy-sensitive diners.

FAQs For Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta With Sausage

• What type of Cajun seasoning works best for this recipe?

Use a store-bought Cajun blend like Tony Chachere’s or make your own by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper for authentic flavor.

• Can I substitute the protein if I don't like shrimp or sausage?

Yes, you can use chicken instead of shrimp or swap the sausage with andouille sausage for more traditional Cajun taste. Choose proteins that can handle robust seasoning.

• How spicy is this Cajun Shrimp Pasta?

The recipe has a mild to medium heat level. You can control spiciness by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning. For less heat, reduce cayenne; for more kick, add extra spice or include red pepper flakes.

• Is this dish considered authentic Cajun cuisine?

While inspired by Cajun flavors, this is a fusion recipe that takes traditional ingredients and creates a modern pasta interpretation. It captures the spirit of Louisiana cooking with its bold seasonings and creamy sauce.

Homestyle Classic Chicken Parmigiana Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Cajun spices elevate this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage into a Louisiana-inspired feast. Hearty proteins and silky sauce create a bold, memorable meal sure to satisfy hungry diners seeking authentic southern comfort.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 6 oz andouille sausage (or smoked sausage, thinly sliced)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• ½ yellow onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
• 2–3 cloves garlic (chopped)
• ½ cup crushed tomatoes

Seasonings, Pasta, and Sauce:

• 10 oz fettuccine pasta
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or Creole seasoning)
• 4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup chicken broth (sodium-free)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ⅔ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)

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Instructions

1. Prepare seasoned protein components by lavishly coating shrimp with aromatic Cajun spices, salt, pepper, and oregano.
2. Utilize a spacious skillet over robust medium-high heat, introducing olive oil to sear shrimp swiftly until golden, approximately 2 minutes per side. Transfer shrimp to a holding plate.
3. Continue using the same skillet to caramelize sausage, rendering its edges crisp and rich with flavor for 4-5 minutes. Remove and reserve alongside shrimp.
4. Simultaneously, initiate pasta preparation by boiling salted water and cooking fettuccine until perfectly tender yet firm, then drain thoroughly.
5. Reduce skillet temperature to medium, adding additional olive oil to create a flavor foundation with diced onions, vibrant red bell peppers, Cajun seasoning, subtle brown sugar, and minimal salt.
6. Introduce minced garlic, allowing its pungent essence to bloom for roughly 30 seconds, releasing intricate aromatics.
7. Construct a luxurious sauce by incorporating crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and velvety heavy cream. Deglaze the pan, capturing every caramelized morsel.
8. Allow sauce to gently simmer, developing depth and complexity for several minutes.
9. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely integrated and creating a silky texture.
10. Fold cooked pasta and sausage into the creamy mixture, ensuring comprehensive coating and heating thoroughly for 2-3 minutes.
11. Delicately reintroduce reserved shrimp, gently folding to maintain protein integrity.
12. Serve immediately, adorning with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Select jumbo or large shrimp for maximum texture and visual appeal in the final dish.
• Control spice levels by adjusting Cajun seasoning according to personal heat tolerance.
• Substitute whole wheat pasta for a healthier, higher-fiber alternative without compromising flavor.
• Pat shrimp completely dry before seasoning to ensure perfect searing and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Use andouille sausage for authentic Cajun

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg