Introduction

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage is a bold, flavorful, and indulgent dish that brings a taste of New Orleans right to your kitchen. Succulent shrimp and savory sausage are cooked in a creamy, spicy Cajun sauce and tossed with pasta for a hearty, satisfying meal.

This dish is a perfect combination of spice, creaminess, and richness. The Cajun seasoning gives the sauce a deep, smoky flavor while the cream balances the heat. It’s ideal for seafood lovers, pasta enthusiasts, or anyone craving a comforting yet exciting dinner.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s rich, spicy, and full of flavor, yet comes together quickly for a weeknight dinner. The combination of shrimp and sausage in a creamy, Cajun-spiced sauce over pasta is absolutely irresistible. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of creaminess, spice, and protein. It’s indulgent, comforting, and impressive enough to serve guests, but simple enough for a busy weeknight.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Bold Cajun Flavors: Spicy, smoky, and savory in every bite.
• Protein-Packed: Shrimp and sausage provide plenty of protein.
• Comfort Food: Creamy pasta makes it satisfying and indulgent.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Recipe Info

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~650–700 per serving (approximate)
• Cuisine: Cajun / American
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Protein

• 12 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds

For the Creamy Cajun Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
2. In a large skillet, cook sausage until browned, then remove.
3. Sauté shrimp until pink; remove from skillet.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté onions and garlic.
5. Add Cajun seasoning, cream, and chicken broth; simmer until slightly thickened.
6. Stir in Parmesan, then return shrimp and sausage to skillet.
7. Toss cooked pasta in the sauce until coated.
8. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Cook Pasta
   • Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook Sausage
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
   • Cook sliced sausage until browned and slightly crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Cook Shrimp
   • In the same skillet, sauté shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with sausage.
4. Prepare the Sauce
   • Melt butter in the skillet.
   • Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
   • Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
   • Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, heavy cream, and chicken broth.
   • Simmer for 3–4 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine Protein and Pasta
   • Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
   • Return cooked shrimp and sausage to the skillet, mixing well.
   • Add cooked pasta and toss until pasta is coated in creamy Cajun sauce.
6. Serve
   • Transfer to plates or a serving dish.
   • Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

How to Serve

• Serve hot with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
• Pairs well with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
• Ideal for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or date night at home.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.
• Use homemade Cajun seasoning for a fresher, more aromatic flavor.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
• Don’t overcook shrimp—they cook quickly and should remain tender.
• Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra vegetables.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
• Creamy Garlic Cajun Pasta: Add an extra clove of garlic and a splash of white wine.
• Low-Carb Version: Serve over zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
• Seafood Mix: Add scallops or crab meat along with shrimp.
• Smoked Sausage Swap: Use andouille or chorizo for extra smokiness.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as cream-based sauces can separate when frozen.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore consistency.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Large pot for pasta
• Tongs or spoon for mixing
• Knife and cutting board

FAQ

Q1: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add it at the end just to warm through, so it doesn’t overcook.

Q2: Can I make this less spicy?
Reduce or omit Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika to taste.

Q3: Can I use a different pasta?
Yes, fettuccine, penne, linguine, or spaghetti all work well.

Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and sausage in advance, but add shrimp and pasta just before serving for best texture.

Q5: Can I make it dairy-free?
Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage is a bold, flavorful, and indulgent dish that delivers restaurant-quality Cajun flavors at home. The combination of tender shrimp, smoky sausage, and creamy, spicy sauce makes it both comforting and exciting. Quick to make, packed with protein, and customizable, this pasta is a must-try for anyone craving a rich, flavorful, and satisfying dinner.