If you’re searching for a bold, flavor-packed comfort meal, this Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta simply knocks it out of the park. With a luscious, creamy sauce clinging to every bite of juicy shrimp, savory sausage, and tender fettuccine, this dish channels the heart and soul of Cajun cuisine Main Course. The blend of spices, the pop of colorful peppers, and that little kick of heat make this a weeknight dinner that feels like a celebration. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or looking to treat yourself, Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta is a feast for all the senses—and it’s easier than you might think!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta lies in its straightforward ingredients, each selected to bring out big flavors and vibrant colors. Don’t skip a single component—every item in this lineup plays a crucial role in crafting that signature creamy, zesty finish.
- Pasta (12 ounces fettuccine or penne): Acts as the hearty foundation, soaking up every drop of that luscious Cajun sauce.
- Large shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): Brings sweet, succulent flavor and lovely texture—don’t overcook for the best tenderness.
- Smoked sausage (12 ounces, sliced): Adds deep, smoky richness and a little extra chew for ultimate comfort.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Ensures everyone gets a gorgeous sear and melds the flavors when sautéing.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Layers in savory depth and that irresistible aroma when sautéed with veggies.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Brings a pop of sweetness and vibrant color to every forkful.
- Yellow bell pepper (1, sliced): Brightens up the dish and balances the smoky sausage beautifully.
- Onion (1 small, sliced): Adds mild sweetness and helps round out the flavor profile.
- Heavy cream (1 1/2 cups): The backbone of that silky, decadent sauce—feel free to sub half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Lifts and loosens the sauce for a pourable, flavorful finish.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Adds a nutty, salty richness that makes the sauce simply irresistible.
- Cajun seasoning (2 tablespoons, divided): The soul of the dish! Adjust the amount to match your spice craving.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Gives an extra layer of smoky warmth and beautiful color.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Dial up the heat if you love an extra spicy kick.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Finishes the dish with herbal brightness and a bit of color.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Lets you craft the perfect balance of savory and spicy for your table.
How to Make Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil, then add your fettuccine or penne. Cook until al dente, following the package directions. You want the pasta to still have a bite to it, so it doesn’t soften too much in the sauce later. Drain it well, but save just a splash of the pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce at the end.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, toss your shrimp in about a tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then spread the shrimp out in a single layer. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they’re just pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook! Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside—they’ll go back in right at the end.
Step 3: Brown the Sausage
In that same skillet, add your second tablespoon of olive oil and the sausage slices. Give them a few minutes to brown up and release all that smoky goodness—about four minutes should do it. You’ll notice the fat in the pan taking on savory, spiced aromas, which means you’re doing it right.
Step 4: Sauté the Veggies & Build the Sauce
Add the minced garlic, red and yellow bell peppers, and onion to the sausage in the skillet. Sauté until everything softens and turns fragrant, about three to four minutes. Now, reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, the rest of your Cajun seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes if you love spice. Stir to combine, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 6 minutes, until it thickens slightly and the kitchen smells heavenly.
Step 5: Toss It All Together
Turn off the heat and add your cooked pasta, shrimp, and sausage back into the skillet. Use tongs to toss everything together until the noodles are generously coated and every bite is loaded with creamy, zesty flavor. Taste and add salt or pepper as needed. Sprinkle over chopped fresh parsley right before serving. There you have it: creamy, colorful, utterly craveable Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta.
How to Serve Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta
Garnishes
Finishing touches make all the difference here. A flurry of freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese lifts the dish both visually and in flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, a wedge of lemon on the side lets everyone add a bit of bright acidity to their own bowl of Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta doesn’t need much accompaniment, but it absolutely shines beside a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or a warm loaf of garlic bread for soaking up every last drop of sauce. If you want to round out the meal, try roasted broccoli or some buttery corn on the cob for extra Southern charm.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta family-style in a big, colorful serving bowl at the center of the table—let everyone help themselves. Or, portion it into shallow pasta bowls and top each with a swirl of extra cream and a dusting of Cajun seasoning for restaurant flair. You can even pack single servings in meal-prep containers for the week ahead!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Let the pasta cool to room temperature first, then transfer to an airtight container. This keeps the sauce from separating and helps preserve those spicy, creamy flavors.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this pasta if you’d like a make-ahead option. Place cooled servings in individual freezer-safe containers, and store for up to two months. While the cream sauce may separate a little after thawing, stirring gently when reheating will usually bring it right back together.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. The microwave works in a pinch, too—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, to prevent the shrimp from getting rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Fettuccine and penne both work great, but Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta also shines with linguine, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Use whatever pasta shape you love or have on hand.
Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?
Of course. To dial down the spice, use less Cajun seasoning and skip the red pepper flakes. You’ll still get all the beautiful flavors of Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta but with a gentle, more mellow heat.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
If you want a lighter sauce, replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or even evaporated milk. Just know that the sauce won’t be quite as rich, but Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta will still be utterly delicious.
What can I use instead of smoked sausage?
If you’re not a fan of smoked sausage, try using chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even andouille for extra smokiness. Vegetarian sausage or a medley of mushrooms can make a fantastic meat-free version of Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta as well.
Can I add vegetables to the pasta?
Definitely! Spinach, kale, or zucchini are lovely additions that cook quickly and blend right in with the sauce. Feel free to get creative—Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta is very forgiving and open to customizing with your favorite veggies.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta has quickly become one of my most requested recipes, and it’s easy to see why—the perfect blend of spice, cream, and comfort invites everyone to dig in. Give it a try, tweak it to your own tastes, and don’t be surprised when it becomes a staple in your kitchen, too. Happy cooking!
Print
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a flavorful and creamy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta dish that combines spicy Cajun flavors with succulent shrimp, savory sausage, and a rich, creamy sauce. This easy-to-make pasta recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
For the Cajun Shrimp and Sausage:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cajun Shrimp and Sausage: Season shrimp with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Cook shrimp in 1 tablespoon olive oil until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside. Cook sausage in another tablespoon of olive oil until browned. Add garlic, bell peppers, and onion, sautéing until softened. Reduce heat and add cream, broth, Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Add pasta, shrimp, and sausage to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce or add spinach for extra veggies
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1020 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 215 mg
