Okay, so… you know when you’re craving something creamy, spicy, and totally comforting? This Cajun shrimp and sausage pasta? It hits all the right spots.
I made this one night when I wanted something quick but bold. The shrimp is juicy, the sausage is smoky, and that creamy sauce? Oh wow. It’s got that little kick I love.
Every bite feels like a cozy hug with a spicy twist. If you’re into creamy pasta with a punch, you need to try this. It’s one of my all-time go-tos now.
Wanna make it too? Let’s go! I’ll walk you through it—it’s super simple.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Big, Bold Flavors: Cajun seasoning, creamy sauce, and smoky sausage make each bite unforgettable.
✔ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
✔ One-Pan Wonder: Less mess, more flavor.
✔ Customizable: Adjust spice levels, swap proteins, or add veggies to make it your own.
✔ Restaurant-Quality at Home: A dish that looks and tastes gourmet with minimal effort.
Required Kitchen Tools
To make this creamy Cajun pasta, you’ll need:
- Large skillet or Dutch oven – For cooking everything in one pan.
- Medium pot – For boiling the pasta.
- Tongs – To flip the shrimp and sausage.
- Cutting board and knife – For chopping veggies and proteins.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring the creamy sauce.
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Cajun-inspired creamy pasta:
For the Pasta:
✔ Fettuccine or Penne Pasta – The perfect base for the creamy sauce.
For the Protein:
✔ Shrimp – Peeled, deveined, and seasoned to perfection.
✔ Spicy Sausage – Andouille is the classic choice, but any smoky sausage works.
For the Cajun Sauce:
✔ Butter – Adds richness to the dish.
✔ Garlic & Onion – Aromatics that build flavor.
✔ Bell Pepper – Adds color and a hint of sweetness.
✔ Heavy Cream – Creates a luxuriously creamy sauce.
✔ Grated Parmesan Cheese – For depth and a velvety finish.
✔ Cajun Seasoning – The star ingredient that brings the heat!
✔ Salt & Pepper – To balance the flavors.
✔ Chopped Fresh Parsley (Optional) – For garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Cooking the Perfect Pasta
1. Boil the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook 1-2 minutes less than package instructions for an al dente texture.
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for the sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Cooking the Proteins
2. Sauté the Sausage
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced spicy sausage and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and slightly crispy.
- Remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Remove shrimp and set aside with the sausage.
Building the Creamy Cajun Sauce
4. Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter.
- Toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper.
- Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant.
5. Make the Cajun Cream Sauce
- Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring constantly.
- Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste).
- Stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
How to Combine Everything
6. Toss Everything Together
- Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Toss in the sausage and shrimp, mixing until everything is well coated.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Serving and Garnishing
- Plate the pasta and top with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately with warm garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying Out
- Stovetop: Add a splash of cream or broth and heat over low heat, stirring until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, and add a bit of cream if needed.
Recipe Variations & Customizations
Make It Spicier
- Add red pepper flakes or extra Cajun seasoning for more heat.
- Stir in a spoonful of hot sauce before serving.
Make It Lighter
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Use turkey sausage instead of Andouille.
Add More Veggies
- Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and nutrients.
- Bell peppers can be swapped for zucchini or cherry tomatoes.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~550-600 |
| Protein | ~35g |
| Carbs | ~45g |
| Fat | ~25g |
| Fiber | ~4g |
Note: Exact values depend on specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! Cook everything separately and store it in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat the sauce and toss it with fresh pasta for the best texture.
What Pasta Works Best?
Fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni work great. Use what you have on hand!
Can I Use Chicken Instead of Shrimp?
Absolutely! Sauté diced chicken in place of shrimp for a delicious variation.
Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta
Course: Uncategorized4
servings10
minutes~550-600
kcalIngredients
- For the Pasta:
12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
- For the Protein:
12 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
6 oz spicy Andouille sausage, sliced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- For the Cajun Cream Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced (red or yellow preferred)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
½ cup reserved pasta water (if needed to loosen sauce)
- For Garnish (Optional):
Fresh chopped parsley
Extra Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta until al dente, following package instructions.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced Andouille sausage and cook 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
- Remove from pan and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp
- In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning and add to the skillet.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, then remove and set aside with the sausage.
- Make the Cajun Cream Sauce
- Add the remaining butter to the pan.
- Sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Pour in heavy cream, then stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat.
- Stir in the sausage and shrimp.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately with garlic bread or a side salad.
- How to Store & Reheat
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Store in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Add a splash of cream or broth and heat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
FAQs
Can I Make This Ahead?
Yes! Cook all components separately and store in the fridge. Reheat the sauce and toss with fresh pasta before serving.
What Other Proteins Can I Use?
Try chicken, crawfish, or tofu for different variations.
Can I Use Store-Bought Cajun Seasoning?
Yes! But for a homemade version, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and black pepper.
Conclusion
This Creamy Cajun Pasta with Shrimp and Spicy Sausage is the perfect combination of bold flavors, creamy texture, and hearty protein. With the smoky heat of Cajun seasoning, juicy shrimp, and savory sausage, every bite delivers restaurant-quality taste right at home.
Whether you’re making this for a quick weeknight dinner, impressing guests, or simply craving something indulgent, this pasta dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, with easy variations and storage tips, you can customize and enjoy this recipe any way you like!