If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food with a Southern kick, look no further than Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta. This creamy, spicy, and absolutely irresistible dish brings together juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and vibrant veggies all tossed with fettuccine in a rich, Parmesan-laced sauce. The blend of Cajun spices and savory flavors transforms every bite into a celebration, making this meal an unforgettable centerpiece for any weeknight or special gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every bite of Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta is built on a foundation of simple, fresh ingredients that don’t just add flavor, but also bring beautiful color and texture. Here’s what you’ll need, along with why each one is so key to this dish.
- Pasta (8 ounces fettuccine or penne): The perfect foundation for soaking up that luscious, spicy cream sauce.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A must-have for getting that golden sear on sausage and shrimp.
- Andouille sausage (1/2 pound, sliced): Smoky, slightly spicy, and loaded with Cajun flavor—this sausage is where it all begins.
- Large shrimp (1/2 pound, peeled and deveined): Sweet, tender shrimp bring the essence of Louisiana seafood to your plate.
- Cajun seasoning (1 tablespoon): The secret blend of bold spices that packs every bite with zest and warmth.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Adds aromatic sweetness to the sauce and rounds out the savory depth.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): For crunch, color, and a boost of natural sweetness.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Because every great savory pasta deserves some garlicky goodness.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Essential for the rich, velvety sauce that envelops every noodle.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Amplifies the sauce with a subtle savory note, preventing it from getting too heavy.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Melts right in for extra creaminess and nutty, salty flavor.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Season to taste, especially if your Cajun seasoning isn’t already salty enough.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to wake up the other flavors.
- Chopped parsley: Fresh and green, this herb is perfect for a beautiful (and flavorful) finishing touch.
How to Make Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a generously salted pot of water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta—either fettuccine or penne works beautifully—then cook until just al dente, following the package instructions. Once tender but still slightly firm, drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t forget to reserve a splash of pasta water for later if you like your sauce a bit looser.
Step 2: Sear the Sausage and Shrimp
In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the andouille sausage slices, letting them sizzle and brown for about 3 to 4 minutes. This is where the smoky magic happens! Next, add your shrimp and sprinkle everything with the Cajun seasoning. Give the shrimp about 2 minutes per side; you want them pink, plump, and opaque. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage and shrimp, setting them aside for their grand return.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Toss the diced onion and sliced red bell pepper into your skillet (no need to clean it—the fond left by the meats is pure flavor gold!). Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies soften and become fragrant. Add the minced garlic and stir for just about 30 seconds. This step builds the aromatic backbone of your sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to blend everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and melted. Pause and appreciate the creamy deliciousness! Add salt and black pepper to suit your taste, remembering that the sausage and Cajun seasoning may already be packing some saltiness.
Step 5: Toss It All Together
Return the cooked sausage and shrimp to the skillet, followed by your drained pasta. Tumble everything together gently with tongs or a big spoon, making sure every noodle is nestled in that creamy, spicy Cajun sauce. If the sauce is too thick, a splash of pasta water will bring it to the perfect, glossy consistency. Let it all cook together for a minute or two until heated through.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Take your finished Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta off the heat. Shower the top with a generous handful of chopped parsley and perhaps an extra pinch of Cajun seasoning or fresh cracked pepper. Serve immediately while it’s piping hot and gloriously creamy.
How to Serve Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta
Garnishes
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of garnishes can transform your Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta from great to jaw-dropping. Try a scatter of fresh parsley for color, an extra dusting of grated Parmesan for richness, or a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions for bite. Feeling bold? A few dashes of hot sauce bring an extra zing for heat lovers!
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta can easily stand alone, but pairing it with a light, crisp salad or oven-roasted vegetables offers the perfect fresh counterpoint. Warm, crusty garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser, especially when you want to mop up every drop of that creamy Cajun sauce. For something more Southern, try a side of sautéed greens or sweet corn.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, go big on presentation: swirl individual servings into shallow bowls and finish with parsley and a lemon wedge on the rim. Or, serve the Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta family-style, letting everyone help themselves straight from the skillet—a guaranteed way to make dinner feel festive and communal!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta to room temperature, then transfer it into an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days—just enough time to work through those irresistible leftovers for lunch or another easy dinner.
Freezing
While creamy pastas can sometimes separate once thawed, you can absolutely freeze this dish if you need to. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and be prepared to stir the sauce back together when reheating—it might not be quite as silky as fresh, but it will still hit the spot.
Reheating
To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream, milk, or broth to loosen up the sauce. If using the microwave, do so in short bursts and stir halfway through to keep the pasta from drying out. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or Parmesan before serving to revive those fresh flavors!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Smoked turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a mild Italian sausage can work well if andouille isn’t your favorite. Just keep in mind that the sausage brings a lot of the Cajun character to the dish, so opt for one with plenty of smoky flavor when you can.
Is Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta spicy?
The heat really depends on your Cajun seasoning and whether you add extra hot sauce or cayenne. Most store-bought Cajun blends are mild to moderate, but if you prefer less spice, use a little less and taste as you go. You’re always in control of the kick!
What’s the best way to peel and devein shrimp?
Look for peeled and deveined shrimp at the store to save time, but if you’re cleaning them yourself, run a sharp paring knife down the back of each shrimp and remove the black vein. It’s a quick extra step that keeps your Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta perfectly fresh tasting.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely! Substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta, and double-check that your Cajun seasoning and sausage are gluten-free as well. The rich, creamy sauce still shines just as brightly over gluten-free noodles.
How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?
If your sauce starts to thicken up more than you’d like, simply add an extra splash of chicken broth, pasta water, or even a bit of milk while tossing everything together. This makes it easy to adjust the consistency, so your Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta stays perfectly creamy every time.
Final Thoughts
If you want to wow your dinner table with big, bold flavors, you honestly can’t go wrong with Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta. Whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or the star of your next get-together, this creamy Cajun creation offers pure comfort and just the right amount of kick. Give it a try, and watch everyone go back for seconds!
Print
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and flavorful Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta for a satisfying meal that’s bursting with Cajun spices and creamy goodness.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
Shrimp and Sausage:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound andouille sausage, sliced
- 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Veggies and Sauce:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water, then drain.
- Sear Sausage and Shrimp: Brown sausage, cook shrimp with Cajun seasoning.
- Sauté Veggies: Cook onion, bell pepper, and garlic until tender.
- Make the Sauce: Combine cream, broth, and cheese in the skillet, then add shrimp, sausage, and pasta.
- Finish and Serve: Season, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra heat, add cayenne or hot sauce.
- Substitute with smoked turkey or chicken sausage if desired.
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