Quick Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Recipe: A Zesty Family Favorite

Sizzling cajun shrimp and sausage pasta brings fiery southern flavors right to your dinner table.

The bold, spicy blend changes ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Robust seasoning dances across each perfectly cooked noodle, creating layers of mouthwatering complexity.

Hearty proteins mingle with rich, creamy sauce, developing an irresistible combination that satisfies deep hunger.

Regional cooking traditions shine through this spirited dish, celebrating the vibrant palette of louisiana cuisine.

These zesty ingredients promise a meal that sparks conversation and delights taste buds.

One bite transports you to a lively kitchen where passion meets incredible flavor.

Why Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Brings the Heat and Flavor

• Spice Up Your Meal: Cajun seasoning transforms this pasta into a flavor explosion, delivering a zesty kick that dances on your taste buds with bold, vibrant spices.
• Quick and Satisfying Weeknight Wonder: This one-pan recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Texture Party in Every Bite: Enjoy the incredible contrast between tender shrimp, crispy sausage, and creamy sauce, creating a multi-dimensional eating experience that keeps every forkful interesting and exciting.

What You’ll Need for This Spicy Cajun Pasta Dish

• Shrimp: Fresh, medium-sized shrimp with sweet, delicate flavor and quick-cooking properties.
• Smoked Sausage: Adds rich, smoky flavor and hearty texture to the pasta dish.

• Half and Half: Creates creamy, smooth sauce with rich consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides sharp, salty notes and helps thicken the sauce.

• Pasta: Classic base for capturing the delicious Cajun sauce.
• Shallot: Mild, sweet onion flavor that enhances overall dish complexity.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds vibrant color and slight sweetness to the recipe.
• Garlic: Provides intense, aromatic flavor foundation.

• Cajun Seasoning: Signature spice blend giving authentic Louisiana-style heat and flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and prevent sticking.
• Tomato Paste: Deepens sauce color and adds concentrated tomato richness.
• Chicken Stock: Creates liquid base for sauce with additional flavor depth.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish that adds color and light herbal note.

How to Cook Shrimp and Sausage Pasta with Bold Cajun Flavor

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Perfection

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until it reaches al dente texture, following package instructions. Before draining, scoop out 1-2 cups of pasta water. Set pasta aside, keeping it warm.

Step 2: Sizzle the Shrimp

• Flip midway through cooking
• Watch for pink and opaque appearance
• Cook for 3-4 minutes total

Remove shrimp and set aside on a clean plate.

Step 3: Crisp Up the Sausage

In the same skillet, add sliced smoked sausage. Cook until edges turn golden and slightly crispy (2-3 minutes). Transfer sausage to the plate with shrimp.

Step 4: Vegetable Harmony

• Diced shallots
• Sliced red bell peppers

Sauté for 1-2 minutes until vegetables start to soften and become fragrant.

Step 5: Garlic and Spice Awakening

Add minced garlic to the pan. Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning and tomato paste. Stir and cook for about 1 minute to release intense flavors.

Step 6: Create Magical Sauce

Pour in chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in half and half, allowing sauce to bubble softly for 2-3 minutes over low heat.

Step 7: Reunite the Ingredients

Return shrimp and sausage to the skillet. Gently fold to coat everything in the creamy sauce.

Step 8: Combine Pasta Perfection

Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to ensure every strand is covered in sauce. If needed, splash in reserved pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency.

Step 9: Final Flavor Flourish

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh chopped parsley

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional Cajun seasoning.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Plate immediately while hot and creamy. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Tips for Creamy Sauce and Balanced Heat

• Master Cajun Seasoning Intensity: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the spice level, tasting and adding gradually for perfect heat without overwhelming the dish.
• Select Fresh Seafood: Choose plump, fresh shrimp with a sweet smell and firm texture to ensure the best flavor and quality in your pasta.
• Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Watch pasta closely and remove from boiling water just before it reaches full doneness, as it will continue cooking when mixed with the hot sauce.
• Develop Rich Flavor Base: Allow shallots, peppers, and garlic to caramelize slightly before adding liquid to enhance the depth of the sauce's taste profile.
• Achieve Creamy Sauce Consistency: Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick, creating a silky, smooth texture that clings perfectly to the pasta.

How to Store and Reheat Cajun Pasta Like a Pro

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of chicken stock or cream to restore creamy texture and prevent drying out.
• Microwave Option: Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and maintain sauce consistency.

What to Pair with Shrimp and Sausage Pasta

• Boost Flavor with Crisp White Wine: Pair this spicy Cajun pasta with a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness and complement the dish's bold flavors.
• Cool Down with Creamy Coleslaw: Serve a tangy, creamy coleslaw on the side to balance the heat and provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta texture.
• Complement with Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add an extra layer of garlicky goodness to the meal.
• Refresh with Citrus Salad: Create a light, zesty citrus salad with mixed greens, orange segments, and a light vinaigrette to brighten up the hearty pasta dish.

Fresh Variations to Dial Up (or Down) the Spice

• Spicy Seafood Fusion: Swap shrimp with scallops or crab meat, and add extra red pepper flakes for a more intense heat profile.
• Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Replace shrimp and sausage with roasted cauliflower and plant-based sausage, using smoked paprika to maintain a rich flavor complexity.
• Mediterranean Inspired Option: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and swap Cajun seasoning with oregano and basil for a Mediterranean-style pasta experience.
• Lighter Protein Approach: Use grilled chicken breast instead of sausage, and add spinach or kale for increased nutritional value and a fresh green element.

Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Cajun shrimp and sausage pasta delivers Louisiana’s soulful culinary spirit with zesty andouille sausage and plump Gulf shrimp. Rich cream sauce and bold seasonings create a hearty meal that whisks you straight to New Orleans’ lively streets.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein Ingredients:

• 0.5 pounds (225 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 0.5 pounds (225 g) smoked sausage, sliced

Pasta and Base Ingredients:

• 10.5 ounces (300 g) pasta of your choice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large shallot, finely diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped

Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 1 cup half and half
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 handful fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of salted water and cook pasta until it reaches al dente perfection, ensuring to preserve some pasta water before draining.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature and quickly sear shrimp until they transform to a vibrant pink hue, then transfer to a separate plate.
3. In the same skillet, crisp up the smoked sausage slices until they develop a golden-brown exterior, then remove and set aside.
4. Sauté diced shallots and crimson bell peppers in the remaining pan drippings, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence.
5. Introduce minced garlic to the vegetable medley, stirring briefly to unlock its fragrant notes without burning.
6. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning and incorporate tomato paste, letting the spices bloom and intensify their robust flavors.
7. Deglaze the pan with chicken stock, scraping up any caramelized bits clinging to the skillet’s surface.
8. Gently introduce half and half, creating a luxurious sauce that simmers and thickens with delicate bubbling.
9. Reunite the previously seared shrimp and sausage with the developing sauce, ensuring each morsel is generously coated.
10. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, allowing it to absorb the spicy, creamy mixture. Adjust sauce consistency using reserved pasta water if needed.
11. Finish the dish by folding in freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley, seasoning to taste with additional salt, pepper, and Cajun spice.
12. Plate immediately, garnishing with extra cheese and herbs for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
13. For optimal enjoyment, serve piping hot. Store any remaining portions in a sealed container within the refrigerator for up to three days, reheating gently with a splash of liquid to restore sauce’s silky texture.

Notes

• Spice Up Your Meal: Cajun seasoning is the star, delivering a fiery kick that transforms this pasta into a flavor-packed adventure.
• Quick and Easy Cooking: Prepare this restaurant-worthy dish in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous gatherings.
• Protein Powerhouse: Combine succulent shrimp and smoky sausage for a protein-rich meal that satisfies and delights.
• Sauce Secrets: The creamy sauce blends chicken stock and half-and-half, creating a luxurious texture that clings perfectly to every pasta strand.
• Smart Leftover Strategy: Refrigerate for up to 3 days, but reheat gently with a splash of liquid to maintain the sauce’s dreamy consistency.
• Customization Tip: Adjust Cajun seasoning to control heat level, making this recipe friendly for various spice tolerances.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 675
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 72 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg