Spicy Homemade Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta With Sausage Recipe

Whipping up a creamy cajun shrimp pasta with sausage promises an explosion of bold, mouth-watering flavors that dance across your palate.

Spicy andouille sausage mingles with succulent shrimp in a rich, velvety sauce that captures Louisiana’s culinary spirit.

Every forkful carries a perfect balance of heat and comfort, blending smoky notes with zesty seasonings.

Tender pasta catches the luxurious sauce, ensuring each bite delivers maximum satisfaction.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate how simple ingredients can create such complex taste experiences.

Authentic cajun techniques shine through in this straightforward yet impressive dish that feels like a restaurant-quality meal prepared right in your kitchen.

Dive into this recipe and transport yourself to the vibrant streets of new orleans with just one incredible plate.

Ingredients Needed for This Bold Dish

• Shrimp: Large, succulent seafood that provides a delicate and sweet flavor to the dish.
• Sausage: Spicy meat that adds robust and hearty flavor to the pasta.

• Fettuccine: Classic pasta that creates a smooth and creamy base for the Cajun-style sauce.

• Onion, Red Bell Pepper: Aromatic vegetables that build a rich and flavorful foundation for the sauce.
• Garlic: Pungent ingredient that enhances the overall depth of the dish.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Provides a tangy and slightly sweet base for the creamy sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and velvety texture for the pasta.

• Cajun Seasoning, Salt, Pepper, Oregano: Spice blend that gives the dish its signature bold and zesty flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the spicy elements.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a salty and nutty finish to the dish.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds a fresh and colorful touch to the final presentation.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking medium and adds a subtle fruity undertone.

How to Cook Cajun Shrimp Pasta Easily

Step 1: Sizzle Shrimp and Sausage

Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and oregano over shrimp, coating them thoroughly. Heat a large skillet on medium-high and drizzle olive oil.

Cook shrimp quickly for 2 minutes per side, then transfer to a separate plate. In the same skillet, brown sausage for 4-5 minutes until golden, then set aside.

Step 2: Boil Perfect Pasta

Fill a pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook fettuccine until tender yet firm, then drain and reserve.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cajun Sauce

• Onion
• Red bell pepper

Add Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, and salt.

• Crushed tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Stir and scrape pan, letting sauce simmer and develop rich flavors.

Step 4: Blend Flavors Together

Melt Parmesan cheese into the sauce. Fold in cooked pasta and sausage, ensuring everything gets coated.

Warm for 2-3 minutes. Gently return shrimp to the skillet and mix.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Transfer to serving plates and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Serve immediately while hot and steaming.

Tips to Get the Perfect Spice Balance

• Adjust Cajun seasoning to match your heat tolerance, adding more or less depending on personal preference.
• Watch shrimp closely while cooking to prevent overcooking, removing them from heat as soon as they turn pink and curl.
• Brown sausage thoroughly to develop rich, caramelized notes that'll elevate the entire dish's taste profile.
• Stir continuously when adding cream to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, silky texture.
• Choose fettuccine or another wide pasta that can hold the creamy sauce and capture all the delicious ingredients.

Flavor Twists to Explore

• Spicy Seafood Sensation: Replace sausage with crab meat and add extra red pepper flakes for an intense heat kick.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Swap Cajun seasoning for Italian herbs, use sun-dried tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes, and add feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
• Vegetarian Comfort: Substitute shrimp and sausage with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms, using smoked paprika for depth of flavor.
• Lighter Coastal Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, add lemon zest, and swap fettuccine for whole wheat linguine for a healthier alternative.

Pairing Suggestions to Complement the Dish

• Crisp White Wine Companion: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to cut through the rich, spicy sauce and complement the seafood's delicate flavor.
• Craft Beer Match: Choose a hoppy American Pale Ale or wheat beer with citrus notes that will balance the dish's creamy texture and spicy Cajun seasoning.
• Refreshing Cocktail Partner: Mix a classic Gin and Tonic with a splash of lime to provide a bright, cooling contrast to the warm, spicy pasta.
• Flavor-Enhancing Garnish: Sprinkle extra fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese to add brightness and depth to the final presentation.

Best Storage Methods for Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool pasta completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze for maximum 2 months. Separate shrimp and sausage if possible to maintain texture.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add 2-3 tablespoons water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when pasta reaches steaming temperature.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning and can I make my own?

Cajun seasoning is a spicy blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and other herbs. You can easily make your own by mixing these spices in equal proportions.

• Is this recipe spicy and can I adjust the heat?

This dish has a moderate spice level from Cajun seasoning. You can reduce heat by using less seasoning or choose a mild Cajun blend. For more heat, add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

• What type of sausage works best in this recipe?

Andouille sausage is traditional in Cajun cooking and provides the most authentic flavor. However, you can substitute with smoked sausage or kielbasa if andouille is unavailable.

Rich and Flavorful Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

• Spice Up Your Dinner: Discover a bold Cajun-inspired dish that transforms ordinary pasta into an exciting culinary adventure with vibrant flavors and robust seasonings.
• Tackle Complex Flavors Easily: This recipe breaks down intricate taste combinations into simple steps, making gourmet cooking accessible for home chefs of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Combines protein-packed shrimp and sausage with creamy sauce, creating a hearty meal that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds for family dinners or gatherings.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup by preparing everything in a single skillet, reducing dish washing and making mealtime preparation stress-free and convenient.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta With Sausage Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cajun culinary magic unfolds in this creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage, blending spicy sausage and succulent shrimp in a rich, velvety sauce. Spice-lovers and comfort food enthusiasts will savor each forkful of this irresistible southern-inspired dish.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 6 oz andouille sausage (or smoked sausage, thinly sliced)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1/2 yellow onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
• 2/3 cloves garlic (chopped)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or Creole seasoning)
• 4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth (sodium-free)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2/3 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
• 10 oz fettuccine pasta

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Instructions

1. Prepare the protein components by generously coating shrimp with Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and oregano, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Preheat a large skillet to medium-high heat and sear shrimp for precisely 2 minutes per side until golden, then transfer to a separate plate.
3. In the same skillet, brown sausage for 4-5 minutes until developing a rich, caramelized exterior, then remove and set aside.
4. Cook fettuccine in salted boiling water until perfectly al dente, approximately 8-9 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
5. Reduce skillet heat and introduce additional olive oil to create a flavor base with diced onions, red bell peppers, and Cajun seasoning, sautéing until vegetables soften.
6. Incorporate minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release aromatic compounds.
7. Deglaze the pan by adding crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream, scraping accumulated browned bits from the skillet’s surface.
8. Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and liquid to slightly reduce.
9. Gradually fold in Parmesan cheese until completely melted and sauce becomes smooth.
10. Introduce cooked pasta and sausage, gently tossing to ensure even sauce distribution.
11. Carefully return shrimp to the skillet, warming through for an additional 2 minutes.
12. Plate immediately and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Choose fresh, large shrimp for the best texture and flavor in this Cajun pasta dish.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity based on personal spice tolerance, adding more or less as desired.
• Use smoked sausage like andouille for an authentic Cajun flavor profile that enhances the overall dish.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to ensure smooth cooking and prevent overcooking delicate shrimp.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 533 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 570 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 215 mg