Tangy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Recipe for Dinner Bliss

Sizzling pans and bold cajun shrimp and sausage pasta recipe dance together in a symphony of flavors that bring southern comfort right to your dinner table.

Spicy andouille sausage mingles with plump, succulent shrimp in a creamy sauce that promises pure satisfaction.

Vibrant herbs and a kick of cayenne pepper create a meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

Each bite tells a story of Louisiana’s rich culinary heritage, blending smoky, zesty notes with perfectly cooked pasta.

The dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

Rich, hearty, and packed with bold flavors, this pasta will become your new go-to recipe for an unforgettable meal that leaves everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood star that adds sweet ocean flavor, select fresh or frozen with firm, translucent appearance.
• Smoked Sausage: Robust meat bringing smoky depth, choose high-quality andouille or spicy Louisiana-style for authentic taste.

• Half and Half: Creamy base creating luxurious texture, select fresh dairy for smoothest consistency.
• Chicken Stock: Liquid foundation delivering rich underlying flavor, opt for low-sodium version for better control.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated flavor enhancer adding depth and complexity, seek thick, deep red variety.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty finishing touch melting beautifully into sauce, grate fresh for maximum flavor.

• Shallot: Delicate onion cousin providing subtle sweetness, choose firm bulbs without soft spots.
• Red Bell Pepper: Vibrant vegetable adding color and mild sweetness, select brightly colored peppers without blemishes.
• Garlic: Pungent flavor bomb creating aromatic base, pick firm cloves without green sprouts.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb offering fresh finish, select crisp, deeply green leaves.
• Cajun Seasoning: Signature spice blend delivering signature Louisiana kick, choose authentic blend or create homemade mix.
• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking medium for sautéing ingredients, select extra virgin for best flavor.

Tools That Bring Cajun Pasta to Life

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta perfectly.
• Large, deep pan: Crucial for cooking shrimp, sausage, and creating the sauce.
• Slotted spoon: Helps remove shrimp and sausage without excess oil.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping shallots, bell peppers, and garlic.
• Sharp knife: For precise vegetable and herb preparation.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and ingredient amounts.
• Cheese grater: For freshly grating Parmesan cheese.

Cajun Shrimp Pasta: How to Cook It Right

• Pasta Water Preparation

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta until just tender. Save some pasta water before draining.

• Shrimp Sizzle

Warm olive oil in a deep pan and quickly cook shrimp until they turn rosy pink. Remove and set aside.

• Sausage Golden Moment

Crisp up sliced smoked sausage in the same pan until edges look deliciously brown. Transfer out of pan.

• Veggie Softening

Toss diced shallots and red bell peppers into the pan, letting them become tender and fragrant.

• Spice Awakening

Add garlic and Cajun seasoning, allowing aromas to bloom and intensify flavors.

• Sauce Creation

Pour chicken stock and half and half into the pan, creating a rich, creamy base. Let it simmer gently.

• Protein Reunion

Return shrimp and sausage to the pan, coating them in the luscious sauce.

• Pasta Marriage

Mix cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring every strand gets dressed. Adjust sauce thickness with reserved pasta water.

• Final Flourish

Sprinkle Parmesan and fresh parsley. Taste and season as needed.

• Serving Magic

Plate immediately, topped with extra cheese and herbs for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Tricks for Bolder Cajun Pasta Flavor

• Adjust the Cajun seasoning to match your heat tolerance. Start with less and gradually add more for a personalized kick that won't overwhelm your taste buds.
• Replace shrimp with chicken, andouille sausage, or plant-based alternatives to create a completely different flavor profile while keeping the classic Cajun essence.
• Enhance nutrition by adding spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms during the vegetable sautéing stage. These extras bring extra texture and hidden nutrients to your dish.
• Prepare the sauce and proteins separately, storing them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, quickly reheat and combine for a fresh-tasting meal that saves time during busy weeknights.

Serving Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Just Right

• Spicy Family Dinner Night: Gather loved ones around the table for a zesty meal that sparks conversation and creates lasting memories.
• Seafood Lover's Delight: Perfect for those who crave bold flavors and want to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish right at home with minimal effort.
• Weeknight Comfort Feast: Transform an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure with this quick, satisfying pasta that combines protein-packed shrimp and sausage in a creamy Cajun sauce.
• Potluck Showstopper: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings and watch it disappear within minutes, earning you instant praise from friends and family.

How to Store Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta

• Quick Cooldown Strategy: Allow the pasta dish to reach room temperature within two hours after cooking, preventing bacterial growth and maintaining food safety standards.
• Refrigerator Smart Pack: Transfer leftovers into shallow, sealed containers to maximize cooling efficiency and prevent moisture accumulation that could make pasta soggy.
• Sauce Restoration Technique: When reheating, add a splash of chicken stock or half-and-half to revive the creamy texture, stirring gently to redistribute spices and prevent sauce separation.
• Freezer Friendly Approach: While best consumed fresh, this dish can be frozen for up to 1 month in airtight freezer-safe containers, with shrimp and pasta potentially losing slight texture quality during thawing.

Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Spicy Cajun shrimp and sausage pasta blends New Orleans flavors with creamy, zesty ingredients. Rich proteins and bold seasonings create a hearty meal that satisfies hungry diners with complex, authentic southern charm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 0.5 lb (225 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 0.5 lb (225 g) smoked sausage, sliced
• 10.5 oz (300 g) pasta of your choice
• 3 tbsps Cajun seasoning
• 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 1 cup half and half
• 2 tbsps tomato paste
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large shallot, finely diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 handful fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a generously salted water pot to a rolling boil and cook pasta until tender, reserving a cup of starchy liquid before draining.
2. Protein Searing: In a large skillet, rapidly cook shrimp over medium-high heat until they turn coral pink, then transfer to a holding plate. Follow by browning sausage slices to a crisp golden state.
3. Aromatic Foundation: Utilize the same skillet to sauté shallots and bell peppers in remaining pan juices, releasing their subtle sweetness. Introduce minced garlic, stirring briefly to awaken its pungent essence without scorching.
4. Spice Layering: Dust the vegetable mixture with Cajun seasoning and tomato paste, allowing spices to bloom and intensify their complex profile. Deglaze with chicken stock, scraping up caramelized remnants from the pan’s surface.
5. Sauce Development: Pour half and half into the skillet, creating a velvety sauce that simmers and thickens with gentle bubbling. Reunite shrimp and sausage with the developing mixture, ensuring complete flavor integration.
6. Final Assembly: Incorporate cooked pasta into the spicy, creamy concoction, using reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed. Finish by folding in Parmesan and parsley, seasoning to taste with additional Cajun spice, salt, and pepper.
7. Serving and Storage: Plate immediately, garnishing with extra cheese and herbs. For optimal enjoyment, serve steaming hot. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to three days, gently reheating with a splash of liquid to maintain sauce’s luxurious texture.

Notes

• Pasta Water Preservation: Save some starchy pasta water before draining to help adjust sauce consistency and enhance overall dish creaminess.
• Searing Technique: Cook shrimp quickly over high heat to prevent rubbery texture, removing from pan immediately after turning pink.
• Spice Distribution: Bloom Cajun seasoning with tomato paste to intensify flavors and ensure even spice distribution throughout the sauce.
• Reheating Strategy: When storing leftovers, add a splash of cream or chicken stock when warming to restore sauce’s original creamy consistency and prevent dryness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 63 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg