If you’re in the mood for a hearty, flavorful meal that combines the richness of creamy pasta with the kick of Cajun seasoning, then Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage is the perfect dish for you! This dish features tender shrimp and juicy sausage, both infused with a flavorful Cajun spice mix, then combined with a rich, creamy sauce that coats every bite of pasta.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe is a combination of everything you could want in a dish: it’s creamy, savory, and has just the right amount of spice. The shrimp is cooked perfectly, offering a burst of flavor with every bite, while the sausage adds a smoky depth that takes the dish to the next level. Add in the spicy Cajun seasoning and the creamy sauce, and you’ve got a meal that’s irresistible.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s quick and easy or something special to serve at a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. The balance of flavors is amazing, and the creamy sauce pairs perfectly with both the shrimp and sausage. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, so clean-up is a breeze!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb sausage (Andouille or your favorite type)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 oz penne pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage
Follow these simple steps to create a deliciously creamy, spicy Cajun shrimp pasta with sausage that your taste buds will love!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once the water is at a rolling boil, add in your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. Typically, this will take about 8-10 minutes for al dente pasta. Once it’s done, drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water. Set both the pasta and the water aside for later use.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp and Sausage
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the sausage. Break it up with a spoon or spatula, cooking until browned and cooked through, which will take about 5-7 minutes. Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the shrimp. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne (if using) over the shrimp, then cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside with the sausage.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then, pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds extra flavor to the dish!
Next, pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Add in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked sausage, shrimp, and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs to be thinned out. Make sure the pasta is fully coated with the creamy Cajun sauce.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Tips for the Best Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or even a dash of hot sauce when mixing the pasta with the sauce.
- Use Andouille sausage: For a more authentic Cajun flavor, use Andouille sausage. It has a smoky, spicy kick that complements the shrimp and pasta perfectly.
- Try different pasta shapes: While penne works great for this dish, you can use any pasta shape you prefer—spaghetti, fettuccine, or rigatoni all work well.
- Make it dairy-free: For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy Cajun shrimp pasta with sausage is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a few extra sides to round out the meal:
- Garlic bread: A crusty garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to this creamy pasta.
- Green salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted vegetables: Roasted veggies like asparagus or bell peppers would complement the flavors beautifully.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The creamy Cajun shrimp pasta with sausage can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to bring the sauce back to life.
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Shrimp and Sausage?
Absolutely! You can swap out the shrimp and sausage for other proteins like chicken, steak, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to cook your protein thoroughly before adding it to the creamy sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage is a flavorful, filling, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a special occasion. The combination of shrimp, sausage, and creamy Cajun sauce makes every bite irresistibly delicious. Try it out, and we’re sure it will become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire!