Shrimp and Sausage Cajun Pasta is a bold, flavorful, and comforting dish that combines tender shrimp, smoky sausage, and creamy pasta coated in a spicy Cajun sauce. Inspired by Louisiana cooking, this dish balances heat, richness, and depth of flavor, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.

The Cajun seasoning adds a zesty kick, while the creamy sauce tames the spice and binds the pasta, shrimp, and sausage together beautifully. Every bite is rich, savory, and slightly spicy, creating a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen with minimal effort.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, flavorful, and versatile. The combination of shrimp and sausage offers contrasting textures—the shrimp is tender and juicy, while the sausage is smoky and slightly crisp.

The creamy sauce clings to the pasta and spices, creating a comforting, indulgent dish without being overwhelming.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Bold and flavorful: The Cajun spices pack a punch with a creamy balance.
• Protein-packed: Shrimp and sausage provide a satisfying and hearty meal.
• Easy to prepare: Quick weeknight meal or impressive dinner for guests.
• Versatile: Adjust spice level, swap proteins, or use different pasta shapes.
• Crowd-pleaser: Loved by adults and teens alike.

Preparation and Cooking Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: 35–40 minutes
• Servings: 4–6
• Calories: ~550 kcal per serving

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Main Course / Pasta / Comfort Food
• Cuisine: Cajun / Creole / Southern American

Ingredients

• 12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa), sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1–2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook Pasta

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
2. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water, and set aside.

Step 2: Cook Sausage

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
2. Add sliced sausage and cook 3–4 minutes until lightly browned.
3. Remove sausage and set aside.

Step 3: Cook Shrimp

1. In the same skillet, add shrimp and season with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning.
2. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
3. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

1. Add onion and bell pepper to the skillet; sauté 3–4 minutes until softened.
2. Add garlic, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and remaining Cajun seasoning; cook 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

1. Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth; bring to a simmer.
2. Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
3. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.

Step 6: Combine Everything

1. Add cooked pasta, shrimp, and sausage to the sauce.
2. Toss to coat evenly.
3. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, 1–2 tablespoons at a time, until desired consistency.

Step 7: Serve

1. Divide pasta among plates.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley and optional lemon wedges.

How to Serve

• Serve hot as a main course with garlic bread or fresh green salad.
• Sprinkle extra Parmesan for added richness.
• Pair with a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay for a complete meal.

Recipe Tips

• Spice level: Adjust Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to control heat.
• Shrimp: Do not overcook to avoid rubbery texture.
• Pasta water: Helps loosen the sauce without thinning flavor.
• One-pot option: Cook sausage and shrimp in the same pan to reduce clean-up.
• Make ahead: Sauce can be prepared in advance; add cooked shrimp and pasta just before serving.

Variations

1. Chicken and Sausage: Substitute shrimp with diced chicken breast.
2. Seafood Medley: Add scallops, crab, or lobster chunks for extra indulgence.
3. Vegetarian: Replace shrimp and sausage with mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers; use vegetable broth.
4. Spicy Creamy Cajun: Increase Cajun seasoning or add cayenne for a hotter dish.
5. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta for a safe alternative.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3 days.
• Freezer: Shrimp doesn’t freeze well cooked in creamy sauce; for freezer-friendly version, freeze sausage and sauce separately for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on stovetop over low heat; add splash of cream or broth to loosen sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Medium pot for pasta
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add it at the very end to prevent overcooking.

Q2. Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! Increase Cajun seasoning or add cayenne/red pepper flakes.

Q3. Can I substitute heavy cream?
Half-and-half works, but sauce will be slightly less rich.

Q4. Can I make it ahead?
Yes, prepare sauce and sausage ahead; add shrimp and pasta just before serving.

Q5. What pasta works best?
Fettuccine, linguine, or penne all work well. Long noodles hold the sauce beautifully.

Conclusion

Shrimp and Sausage Cajun Pasta is a bold, creamy, and indulgent dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. With tender shrimp, smoky sausage, and a perfectly spiced creamy sauce, it delivers flavor, comfort, and satisfaction in every bite.