There are few things that bring me joy like a big bowl of pasta, especially when it’s packed with bold Cajun flavors, succulent shrimp, and smoky Andouille sausage. This dish is everything you need for a cozy, satisfying meal that’s quick to whip up on a weeknight but fancy enough to serve to guests. Trust me, the taste will have everyone coming back for seconds!
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Why You’ll Love This Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Big, bold flavors: Spicy Cajun seasoning, rich cream, and smoky sausage work together to create a dish that’s anything but boring!
Easy and quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, this pasta is perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile: You can dial the heat up or down depending on your preference, and it’s easy to add or swap ingredients based on what you have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, just make sure they’re peeled and deveined.
- Andouille Sausage: The perfect smoky touch.
- Olive Oil: To sauté everything to perfection.
- Onion & Bell Pepper: A classic Cajun base for added sweetness and texture.
- Garlic: Because no pasta dish is complete without it!
- Cajun Seasoning & Paprika: The stars of the show! Adjust to your heat tolerance.
- Heavy Cream & Chicken Broth: These make the sauce lusciously creamy without being too heavy.
- Pasta: Penne works wonderfully here, but feel free to use whatever pasta you have.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory depth that ties the dish together.
- Fresh Parsley: For a bright, fresh finish.
Necessary Tools
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Cajun Shrimp Pasta
- Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Andouille sausage slices and cook until browned, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic until they are softened and fragrant.
- Add the Shrimp: Toss in the shrimp, Cajun seasoning, and paprika. Stir well, cooking until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, letting it simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine: Stir in the cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, and the reserved browned sausage. Mix everything until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Cajun Shrimp Pasta
- Don’t overcook the shrimp! Keep an eye on them as they cook quickly and you don’t want them to get rubbery.
- Customize the heat level: Add more Cajun seasoning or even a dash of hot sauce if you love spice. Or, tone it down for a milder flavor by using less seasoning.
- Make it your own: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. If you’re not a fan of shrimp, chicken works great here too!
What to Serve with Cajun Shrimp Pasta
This pasta is filling on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, here are a few ideas:
- Garlic bread: Perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.
- Simple green salad: A refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
- Roasted vegetables: Try roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a veggie-packed side.
Storage Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any leftover Cajun Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and heat it gently on the stovetop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! While it’s best fresh, you can make it ahead and reheat it. Just be sure to add a bit of liquid when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! If you don’t have Andouille sausage, you can use smoked sausage, chorizo, or even a spicy Italian sausage.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a non-dairy creamer to make this dish dairy-free.
Conclusion
This Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Andouille Sausage is everything you could want in a pasta dish—creamy, flavorful, and packed with protein! Whether you’re serving it for dinner or meal-prepping for the week, it’s a winner every time. The best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!
Craving more? Check out these other Cajun-inspired recipes:
- Spicy Baked Cajun Catfish and Shrimp with Zesty Lemon Butter
- Creamy Cajun Pasta with Succulent Shrimp and Spicy Sausage
- Cajun Lobster, Crab, and Salmon Alfredo
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 29g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
Did you make this recipe? I’d love to see your photos! Be sure to tag me on Pinterest and leave a review down below!
Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Andouille Sausage: A Flavorful One-Pot Wonder!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Andouille Sausage is a bold, flavorful dish packed with Cajun seasoning, juicy shrimp, and smoky sausage, all coated in a creamy sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and dig into a meal that’s as delicious as it looks!
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz Andouille sausage, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz penne pasta, cooked
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced Andouille sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook the shrimp: Add shrimp, Cajun seasoning, and paprika. Stir and cook until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, simmering for 5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Combine: Stir in the cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, and browned sausage. Mix everything until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning depending on how spicy you like your pasta.
- Feel free to swap out shrimp for chicken or another protein if preferred.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce smooth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 250mg
Keywords: Cajun Shrimp Pasta, Andouille Sausage, Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta, Creamy Cajun Pasta, Easy Shrimp Dinner