If you’re craving a dish that’s bold, indulgent, and downright unforgettable, Creamy Cajun Pasta with Shrimp and Spicy Sausage has your name written all over it! Tender pasta is tossed in a rich, smoky sauce brimming with plump shrimp, slices of sizzling sausage, vibrant veggies, and just the right touch of heat. What you end up with is weeknight comfort and plenty of wow-factor for guests—delivered all in one dreamy skillet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is that every ingredient has a role to play, from the meaty sausage and juicy shrimp down to the creamy base and Cajun kick. Keep these essentials on hand and you’ll never be far from a quick dinner that tastes like a treat!
- Pasta: Fettuccine or penne hold the sauce beautifully and give you those silky, satisfying bites.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the sausage and developing those irresistible pan flavors.
- Spicy smoked sausage: Sliced and browned for extra smoky, spicy depth—Andouille is top-notch if you want more heat!
- Large shrimp: Peeled, deveined, and plump, they soak up all that Cajun goodness.
- Cajun seasoning: Divided between the shrimp and the sauce, it’s the secret to that classic Southern flair.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps make the sauce unforgettably creamy.
- Onion: Diced small for subtle sweetness as it softens in the skillet.
- Red bell pepper: Sliced thin for a pop of color and a touch of sweetness (plus, it looks so pretty in the final dish!).
- Garlic: Minced, because what’s Cajun cuisine Main Course
- Heavy cream: The key to that luscious, velvety texture in your sauce.
- Chicken broth: Keeps things from being too heavy and adds deep, savory notes.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated for a nutty tang that melts right into the sauce.
- Salt and pepper: Just a pinch or two at the end for balance and brightness.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped for a burst of color and freshness right before serving.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Pasta with Shrimp and Spicy Sausage
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your fettuccine or penne until al dente, just as the package directs. Be sure not to overcook it; you want the pasta to hold its own when tossed with the luxurious sauce. Drain and set aside for the magic to happen soon!
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in those sliced spicy sausages and cook until they’re golden and caramelized, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step gives your Creamy Cajun Pasta with Shrimp and Spicy Sausage irresistible depth and meaty flavor. Scoop the sausage out and set aside (leaving all that flavorful oil behind).
Step 3: Sear the Shrimp
Sprinkle half of the Cajun seasoning over your shrimp, tossing lightly to coat. Into the same skillet they go! Sear the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side—just until pink and barely cooked. Remove them, adding them to the plate with the sausage. They’ll finish cooking later in the sauce, ensuring tender and juicy bites every time.
Step 4: Sauté the Veggies
Reduce that heat to medium and melt the butter in the skillet. Add in your diced onion and sliced bell pepper. Sauté everything together for 4 to 5 minutes, until the veggies soften and start to caramelize. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds—don’t let it burn! This layer of aromatic flavor is essential for building the best Creamy Cajun Pasta with Shrimp and Spicy Sausage.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
Sprinkle the rest of your Cajun seasoning into the pan, then pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring everything to a simmer, stirring gently as the sauce starts to bubble and thicken. After 2–3 minutes, add the grated Parmesan and stir until it’s melted into the sauce, creating a dreamy, creamy blend.
Step 6: Combine and Finish
Toss the cooked pasta, sausage, and shrimp back into the skillet, stirring well so every strand of pasta is coated in sauce and every bite gets that Cajun flavor. Let everything simmer together for 2 minutes to warm through, then taste and season with extra salt or pepper if needed. Just before serving, scatter plenty of fresh chopped parsley over the top.
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Pasta with Shrimp and Spicy Sausage
Garnishes
This pasta comes alive with a simple handful of chopped parsley for color and freshness. For a little extra kick, sprinkle with more Cajun seasoning or a few chili flakes. A grating of extra Parmesan cheese adds that salty, nutty finish that sends it over the top.
Side Dishes
Serve your Creamy Cajun Pasta with Shrimp and Spicy Sausage alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or pair with warm, crusty bread to soak up every drop of that dreamy sauce. Roasted asparagus or garlic green beans also make a fresh, light side for this indulgent main.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner, serve the pasta straight from the skillet at the table—it looks rustic and inviting. Hosting a gathering? Plate individual servings in warm bowls with extra parsley and Parmesan on top. For a special occasion, try serving the pasta in hollowed bread bowls or as mini portions in appetizer cups for a crowd-pleasing starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (and that’s a big if), cool the Creamy Cajun Pasta with Shrimp and Spicy Sausage to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge where it will keep fresh for up to three days without losing its signature flavor.
Freezing
While the sauce is cream-based and might separate a bit after freezing, you can still save leftovers for another day. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to two months, and be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of cream or chicken broth to the pasta before microwaving or warming on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir frequently—this revives the creamy texture and keeps the sauce silky rather than sticky or separated.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine and penne are especially good at holding onto the creamy Cajun sauce, you can use nearly any shape you love. Bowties, linguine, or rotini all work beautifully in Creamy Cajun Pasta with Shrimp and Spicy Sausage.
Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?
Of course! Simply reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning, use a milder sausage, and skip additional chili flakes. You’ll still get loads of flavor and just a gentle whisper of heat, perfect for spice-sensitive eaters.
Can I substitute chicken for shrimp if I’m not a seafood fan?
Yes, cubed or sliced chicken breast makes a delicious swap for shrimp. Cook it through in the same step you would the shrimp, using Cajun seasoning to keep that Southern-inspired flavor alive.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Swap for your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that your sausage and Cajun seasoning are gluten-free, and you’ve got a no-compromise version of Creamy Cajun Pasta with Shrimp and Spicy Sausage!
What kind of sausage works best?
If you want authentic Cajun flavor, Andouille sausage is the top choice. However, any spicy, smoked sausage—like chorizo or kielbasa—will work if that’s what you have on hand. Each brings a little something different to your pasta night.
Final Thoughts
I truly can’t wait for you to dig into a big bowl of Creamy Cajun Pasta with Shrimp and Spicy Sausage. It’s bold, it’s comforting, and it brings just the right amount of celebration to any dinner. Try it soon, and get ready for rave reviews from your family and friends!
Print
Creamy Cajun Pasta with Shrimp and Spicy Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and spicy flavors of this Creamy Cajun Pasta with Shrimp and Spicy Sausage. This dish combines perfectly cooked shrimp and sausage with a creamy Cajun-infused sauce, all tossed with pasta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Proteins:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 oz spicy smoked sausage, sliced
- 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Seasonings and Dairy:
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sear Sausage and Shrimp: Brown sausage in a skillet, then cook shrimp until just done. Set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Add seasonings, cream, and broth. Simmer, then stir in Parmesan cheese.
- Combine and Serve: Toss pasta, shrimp, sausage, and sauce together. Simmer briefly, adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- Andouille sausage adds extra heat and flavor.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning for desired spiciness.
- Best served fresh but can be reheated with a splash of cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 630
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
