Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Pasta: A Spicy, Creamy Southern Comfort Classic

If you’re craving a rich, spicy, and soul-satisfying pasta dish, look no further than Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Pasta. This flavorful dish combines smoky andouille sausage, succulent Cajun-seasoned shrimp, sautéed bell peppers, and a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, all tossed with pasta for the ultimate comfort food experience.

What makes this recipe shine is its bold Cajun spice blend, a hallmark of Louisiana cooking that adds depth and heat without overwhelming the dish. It’s weeknight-dinner simple, but restaurant-level delicious—the kind of meal that earns a permanent spot in your meal rotation.

What Is Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Pasta?

Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Pasta is a one-skillet dish that features:

Sautéed shrimp and sliced andouille or smoked sausage
Fettuccine or linguine pasta
Creamy Cajun-spiced sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan, and garlic
Bell peppers and sometimes onions for sweetness and texture

This dish is perfect for anyone who loves a little kick with their comfort food. The Cajun spices bring a mild-to-moderate heat that you can easily adjust to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses pantry staples, fresh seafood, and bold seasoning to bring it all together.

Main Ingredients:

½ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ lb smoked sausage or andouille, sliced into rounds
8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt & pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to whip up this flavorful Cajun dish in under 40 minutes.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Season & Sear the Shrimp

Pat shrimp dry and season with half of the Cajun seasoning.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage

In the same skillet, add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides (about 5–7 minutes).
Remove from the pan and set aside with the shrimp.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

Add 2 tbsp butter to the pan.
Toss in the bell peppers (and onions if using), cooking until softened, about 4–5 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).

Step 5: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and pour in 1 cup heavy cream.
Stir in remaining Cajun seasoning and let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Add ½ cup Parmesan and stir until smooth and thickened.

Step 6: Combine & Toss

Return the cooked pasta to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce.
Add shrimp and sausage back in, stirring everything together.
If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Top with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan.
Serve hot and enjoy the explosion of Cajun flavors!

Tips for Perfect Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Pasta

Use fresh shrimp for the best texture. Frozen is fine, but thaw and pat dry.
Don’t overcook the shrimp—they become rubbery fast.
Balance the heat by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning or using a milder version.
Add more veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or onions for extra nutrition and flavor.

Flavor Variations & Customization Ideas

This recipe is super adaptable. Here’s how to make it your own:

1. Low-Carb Version

Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Use full-fat dairy and sugar-free sausage for keto-friendliness.

2. Vegetarian Version

Skip the shrimp and sausage.
Use smoked tofu or roasted mushrooms for that umami bite.

3. Cajun Alfredo Fusion

Add extra Parmesan and a pinch of nutmeg for an Alfredo twist.
Top with mozzarella and broil for a baked pasta effect.

4. Blackened Shrimp Upgrade

Use a cast-iron skillet to cook shrimp with extra seasoning until blackened.
Adds more depth and texture to the dish.

️ Serving Suggestions

Pair this rich pasta with lighter sides to balance the meal:

Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Garlic bread or warm French rolls
Roasted asparagus or green beans
Chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay
Sparkling lemonade or citrus iced tea for non-alcoholic options

❄️ Storage & Reheating Tips

This dish stores surprisingly well and makes excellent leftovers.

Refrigerator:

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
The cream may thicken; add a splash of milk or water before reheating.

Freezer:

Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.

Reheating:

Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop or in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring in between.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approx. 4 Servings)

Calories: ~580 kcal
Protein: ~30g
Carbs: ~45g
Fat: ~32g
Fiber: ~3g
Sugar: ~3g

✅ Why You’ll Love Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Pasta

This dish delivers BIG flavor with minimal fuss. Here’s why it’s a keeper:

✅ One-pot simplicity
✅ Bold Cajun spice
✅ Creamy comfort with just the right amount of heat
✅ Ready in under 40 minutes
✅ Crowd-pleaser for both family and guests

Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Pasta brings bold Southern flavor to your table with ease.

Final Thoughts

If you love pasta and crave something spicy, creamy, and totally satisfying, Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Pasta is calling your name. It’s a celebration of flavor, a tribute to Southern cooking, and a versatile recipe you can make your own again and again.

From its smoky sausage and succulent shrimp to the velvety Cajun cream sauce, this dish delivers the full experience. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, customizable, and guaranteed to earn rave reviews.

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