When I first made this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage for dinner, I couldn’t believe how quickly the plates emptied. The silky sauce clinging to every strand of pasta, the smoky Andouille sausage, and perfectly seasoned shrimp created a dish that felt like a restaurant-quality treat.
It’s warm, it’s flavorful, and, most importantly, it’s easy enough for a weeknight meal. If you’re like me and love bold flavors packed into one comforting dish, this pasta recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.
The Time Commitment
Curious about how long it’ll take you to whip up this mouthwatering dish? Here’s the breakdown of the timings to plan your cooking sesh efficiently.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are the essentials to get started on this Cajun culinary adventure.
- 8 oz Linguine or Fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb Andouille or smoked sausage, sliced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 1 Red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 Green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Adding a Creative Twist
Want to make this your own? Try these ideas to tweak the recipe while keeping all its flavorful goodness intact.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or almond milk instead of heavy cream.
- Lower Carb: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Sausage Alternatives: Swap Andouille sausage with turkey sausage or kielbasa.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace shrimp and sausage with pan-seared tofu or your favorite plant-based sausage.
Equipment Essentials
- Large pot: For boiling the pasta.
- Non-stick skillet: To cook the shrimp, sausage, and sauce effortlessly.
- Mixing bowl: To season the shrimp evenly.
- Tongs: Perfect for tossing and mixing pasta with the sauce.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cajun Pasta Perfection
Creamy, spicy, and packed with flavor, this Cajun pasta is the perfect blend of comfort and kick. Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-quality dish at home!
Start with the Pasta
Boil a generous pot of salted water. Cook your fettuccine or linguine until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the pasta and drizzle with olive oil to keep it from sticking while you move on to the sauce.
Prep the Shrimp and Sausage
Season your peeled and deveined shrimp with Cajun spices, paprika, and garlic powder. Sauté the shrimp and sliced sausage in a bit of olive oil in your skillet until the shrimp turns pink and the sausage is beautifully browned. Set it aside for now.
Bring the Veggies to Life
Using the same skillet, melt butter and sauté chopped onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Once fragrant and softened, add minced garlic. You’ll smell the magic happening in your kitchen!
Make the Creamy Dreamy Sauce
Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth to the cooked veggies. Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese while stirring. Sprinkle in more Cajun seasoning for that signature Southern kick. Simmer until the sauce thickens to a silky texture.
Toss It All Together
Add your pasta directly to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce until every noodle is coated. Mix the cooked shrimp and sausage back in and heat through for a couple of minutes.
Serve and Garnish
Plate your gorgeous Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage in bowls, finishing each dish with chopped parsley for that final splash of color and freshness. Speaking of mushrooms, you might also love this Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe, which is packed with earthy flavors and creamy goodness.
Reasons This Recipe Will Win You Over
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty details, let me break down why Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage deserves a spot in your recipe rotation.
Superb Simplicity
One of the best things? It’s surprisingly easy to make! You’ll only need basic ingredients you might already have in your kitchen. The steps are straightforward, making it a perfect go-to meal even on busy days.
Customizable to Your Taste Buds
Love it super spicy? Go heavy on the Cajun seasoning. Prefer it mild? Tone down the spices. This dish is your culinary playground! Add extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms to amp up the nutrition or swap proteins to suit your dietary needs.
Bursting with Bold Flavors
From the zesty kick of Cajun spices to the creamy sauce and hints of smokiness from the sausage, every bite delivers incredible flavor. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for family dinners or impressing guests.
Perfectly Balanced Dish
It’s indulgent, yes, but you’ve also got fresh bell peppers, shrimp packed with protein, and a few other wholesome components to balance it out. You can feel good about eating this dish!
Works for Any Occasion
Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a meal to impress friends, or a cozy family supper, this recipe checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s great for leftovers! if you’re a fan of creamy pasta dishes, you might enjoy trying this Mushroom Alfredo Pasta Recipe for a rich and satisfying alternative.
Pro Tips for the Best Pasta Dish
- Balance the Spice: If Cajun seasoning is too much, mix it with a little paprika and garlic powder.
- Avoid Overcooking Shrimp: Be quick; shrimp cooks in just 2-3 minutes per side.
- Don’t Skip the Cheese: Parmesan is what makes the sauce creamy and slightly tangy.
How to Plate This Pasta Like a Pro?
For restaurant-style plating, twirl portions of pasta onto plates using tongs. Top with generous portions of shrimp and sausage pieces. Sprinkle with parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan for an elegant finish. Add crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutritional Breakdown
This creamy delight is rich in taste and nutrients. Here’s what you get in one serving (approx.):
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fat: 22g
Make It Ahead and Store Like a Pro
This dish can be prepped in advance for an easy dinner solution.
Refrigerating Leftovers
Store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
Freezing is Possible Too!
Want to freeze? Skip adding the cooked pasta to the sauce. Simply freeze the shrimp, sausage, and sauce mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, cook fresh pasta and combine.
There you have it! A complete, foolproof recipe for Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage that delivers bold flavors, dreamy textures, and heartwarming satisfaction every time. If you enjoy hearty meals, you can also explore some delicious lunch recipes like this on our site.
Follow this easy video guide:
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta With Sausage Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz Linguine or Fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb Large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb Andouille or smoked sausage sliced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 1 Red bell pepper chopped
- 1 Green bell pepper chopped
- 1 Onion chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil a generous pot of salted water. Cook your fettuccine or linguine until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the pasta and drizzle with olive oil to keep it from sticking while you move on to the sauce.
- Season your peeled and deveined shrimp with Cajun spices, paprika, and garlic powder. Sauté the shrimp and sliced sausage in a bit of olive oil in your skillet until the shrimp turns pink and the sausage is beautifully browned. Set it aside for now.
- Using the same skillet, melt butter and sauté chopped onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Once fragrant and softened, add minced garlic. You’ll smell the magic happening in your kitchen!
- Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth to the cooked veggies. Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese while stirring. Sprinkle in more Cajun seasoning for that signature Southern kick. Simmer until the sauce thickens to a silky texture.
- Add your pasta directly to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce until every noodle is coated. Mix the cooked shrimp and sausage back in and heat through for a couple of minutes.
- Plate your gorgeous Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage in bowls, finishing each dish with chopped parsley for that final splash of color and freshness.
Notes
- Balance the Spice: If Cajun seasoning is too much, mix it with a little paprika and garlic powder.
- Avoid Overcooking Shrimp: Be quick; shrimp cooks in just 2-3 minutes per side.
- Don’t Skip the Cheese: Parmesan is what makes the sauce creamy and slightly tangy.
