Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage

History of Shrimp Pasta with Sausage

This dish is inspired by the flavors of Cajun and Creole cuisine, which originated in Louisiana. Combining shrimp and sausage is a classic pairing in dishes like jambalaya and gumbo. This creamy pasta version is a modern twist on those traditional recipes, bringing together bold Cajun spices, tender shrimp, smoky sausage, and a rich, creamy sauce.

Why Shrimp Pasta with Sausage?

This dish is perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors and a little indulgence. It’s a one-pan meal that’s quick to make but feels restaurant-quality. The combination of shrimp, sausage, and Cajun seasoning creates a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying.

What is Shrimp Pasta with Sausage Made Of?

The dish is made with shrimp, smoked sausage (like Andouille), pasta (such as fettuccine or penne), a creamy Cajun-spiced sauce (often made with heavy cream or half-and-half), garlic, onions, bell peppers, and Cajun seasoning. It’s a flavorful mix of ingredients that come together beautifully.

What to Have with Shrimp Pasta with Sausage

This pasta is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with:

• A side of garlic bread or crusty bread
• A simple green salad
• Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus

Is Shrimp Pasta with Sausage Healthy?

It’s a rich dish, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation. To make it healthier, you can use light cream or milk instead of heavy cream, whole wheat pasta, and lean turkey sausage. Adding extra veggies like spinach or zucchini can also boost the nutritional value.

Kitchen Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Wooden spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz smoked sausage (like Andouille), sliced into rounds
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

Directions:

• Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
• Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
• Stir in the Cajun seasoning, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Return the cooked sausage and shrimp to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
• Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
• Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

Tips

• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use hot Cajun seasoning.
• If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half with whole milk or a splash of pasta water.
• Add other veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! Andouille sausage is traditional, but you can use any smoked sausage you like.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild to medium spice level, depending on the Cajun seasoning you use. Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.

Conclusion

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try—it might just become your new go-to pasta dish!

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage

getcakerecipes

There’s a little seafood place down by the coast that my family and I love to visit whenever we’re on vacation. One of their signature dishes is a creamy Cajun shrimp pasta with sausage, and it’s absolutely unforgettable. I’ve tried to recreate it at home over the years, and I think I’ve finally nailed it. This dish is a perfect blend of spicy, smoky, and creamy flavors, and it’s become a regular in our dinner rotation. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make. If you love shrimp, sausage, and a little kick of spice, this pasta is for you.

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

• Large pot for boiling pasta

• Large pot for boiling pasta

• Wooden spoon

• Knife and cutting board

• Measuring cups and spoons

• 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz smoked sausage (like Andouille), sliced into rounds
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

• Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside.

• In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.

• Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

• Stir in the Cajun seasoning, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Return the cooked sausage and shrimp to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.

• Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

• Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

Keyword Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage