Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage is a spicy, creamy, and comforting dish that combines succulent shrimp, flavorful sausage, and al dente pasta in a rich and creamy Cajun sauce. The blend of Cajun seasoning adds a bold kick, while the creamy sauce balances the spice perfectly. This easy-to-make dish is ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions, offering the perfect balance of heat and richness. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this pasta will be a crowd-pleaser.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
Cook the pasta:
- Boil the pasta: In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.
Cook the shrimp and sausage:
- Cook the sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and slightly crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Make the sauce:
- Prepare the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, add chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Combine the pasta, shrimp, and sausage:
- Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and sausage to the skillet, tossing everything together until well-coated in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
Serve:
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the Cajun shrimp pasta to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
- Meat Variations: You can substitute the sausage with chicken or andouille sausage for more flavor.
- Make-Ahead: The shrimp and sausage can be cooked ahead of time, and the creamy sauce can be prepared in advance as well. Just combine everything before serving.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed.
Conclusion:
Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage is a bold, creamy dish that’s perfect for anyone who loves a bit of heat and richness in their pasta. The smoky sausage and succulent shrimp pair perfectly with the Cajun-spiced creamy sauce, creating a meal that’s bursting with flavor. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy. Try it today for a comforting, spicy, and flavorful dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Cajun Shrimp Pasta ahead of time, and if so, how should I store it?
Yes, you can definitely make components of this dish ahead of time. The shrimp and sausage can be cooked and stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The creamy sauce can also be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce, add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and sausage, and combine until heated through. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess.
What are some good ingredient substitutions if I don’t have all the ingredients on hand?
Absolutely! If you don’t have penne or fettuccine, any pasta shape will work; consider rotini or shells. For the sausage, you can substitute with chicken sausage or andouille sausage for a different flavor profile. If you’re out of heavy cream, you can use a combination of milk and butter (1 cup milk + 2-3 tablespoons of butter), though the sauce might be slightly thinner. If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can create a similar blend with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme.
How do I know when the shrimp and sausage are perfectly cooked?
The shrimp is cooked through when it turns pink and opaque, and the tails curl slightly. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the shrimp rubbery. For the sausage, it’s cooked when it’s browned and slightly crispy on the outside. Internal temperature is less critical for sausage, but browning and rendering the fat are key. For the pasta, it should be al dente, meaning it has a slight bite to it.
Can I double or triple this recipe to serve a larger crowd?
Yes, you can easily scale up this recipe. When doubling, you may need to use a larger skillet or cook the shrimp and sausage in batches to avoid overcrowding. If tripling, consider using two skillets. Be sure to adjust the cooking times slightly, especially for the sauce, as it may take a bit longer to thicken. Make sure your pot for the pasta is large enough to handle the increased volume.
What are the nutritional highlights of this Cajun Shrimp Pasta?
This dish provides a good source of protein from the shrimp and sausage. Shrimp is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and selenium. The pasta provides carbohydrates for energy. The Parmesan cheese contributes calcium. The dish also contains various vitamins and minerals from the spices and herbs, such as vitamin C from the parsley. However, be mindful of the fat content from the heavy cream and sausage.
Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage – Spicy, Creamy, and Full of Flavor
This Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage is spicy, creamy, and full of flavor—a perfect blend of shrimp, sausage, and pasta.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 pound smoked sausage sliced
- 8 ounces pasta cooked al dente
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook sliced sausage until browned.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink. Remove shrimp and sausage from the skillet.
- In the same skillet, add heavy cream and cajun seasoning. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Return shrimp and sausage to the skillet and cook for 2 more minutes.
- Mix cooked pasta into the skillet and toss to coat with sauce.
Notes
For extra heat, add additional Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce.
