Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage Recipe

If you’re looking for an irresistibly bold and comforting dish that you can get on the table without fuss, this Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage is about to become your go-to meal. Smoky andouille sausage, juicy shrimp, and a velvety, savory sauce, all tossed together with pasta, come together for a one-pan wonder that delivers huge flavor with minimal effort. This pasta is creamy, spicy (but you control the heat), and packed with satisfying bites. It’s perfect for a midweek dinner when you want something truly delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what makes this dish shine and clever ways to make it work for you:

• Shrimp: Choose raw, peeled, and deveined for the juiciest mouthsful; cooks super quickly and takes on all that Cajun flavor.
• Andouille Sausage: The signature smoky-sausage flavor; if you want less heat, try kielbasa or smoked turkey sausage.
• Cajun Seasoning: The backbone of the dish—smoky, a little spicy, and full of southern flair.
• Olive Oil: Helps everything brown beautifully and adds richness.
• Onion and Red Bell Pepper: These vegetables add sweetness, color, and a touch of crunch.
• Paprika and Thyme: Double down on the smoky depth and herby brightness.
• Brown Sugar: A secret touch that balances out the spice and rounds out the sauce.
• Garlic: For irresistible aroma and savory warmth—don’t skip this!
• Crushed Tomatoes: Lend a gentle tang and help create that luscious sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Deepens the flavor and helps everything meld together.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Just a dash for umami complexity.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: The finishing touch for a creamy, velvety sauce.
• Bow Tie Pasta: The perfect little pockets for catching all that sauce; penne or rotini work, too.
• Salt and Pepper: Season to taste—always.
• Parmesan and Fresh Parsley: The garnish that adds a savory kick and bright freshness.
• Tip: You can always adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your spice level—taste as you go!

Variations

Mix it up! This recipe welcomes tweaks and creative substitutions:

• Different Proteins: Try chicken, turkey sausage, or even tofu for a pescatarian spin.
• Make it Lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or unsweetened coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free sauce.
• Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for an extra veggie boost.
• Change the Pasta: Fettuccine, linguine, or gluten-free pasta all work great.
• More Heat or Less: Dial up the spice with cayenne or hot sauce, or tone it down by using mild sausage and less Cajun seasoning.

How to Make Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling bow tie pasta (or your choice) until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside, but remember to keep it a little firm since it’ll soak up sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat a swirl of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Toss your shrimp with Cajun seasoning and sauté quickly until they turn pink and opaque—just a couple of minutes. Remove and set aside so they stay perfectly tender.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage

In the same skillet, add sliced andouille sausage. Let the pieces brown and crisp up at the edges—this adds tons of flavor. Set the sausage aside with the shrimp.

Step 4: Cook the Veggies

Lower the heat to medium, drizzle in a bit more olive oil, and toss in thinly sliced onions and red bell peppers. Sauté until softened and sweet. Stir in the minced garlic for the last 30 seconds—fragrant and delicious.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Sprinkle in paprika, thyme, more Cajun seasoning, and brown sugar. Stir to coat the veggies. Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and bring everything to a gentle simmer until thickened and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Finish the Pasta

Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and sausage back into the skillet. Toss it all together until every piece is coated in that dreamy sauce.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Dish up the pasta and shower with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.

How to Serve

Pile generous portions into wide bowls and top with lots of Parmesan and fresh parsley. Warm, crusty bread (like a French baguette) is perfect for soaking up the extra sauce. A crisp green salad or steamed broccoli rounds out the meal and keeps things balanced.

Try serving with a lemon wedge on the side—the acidity brightens every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better as they mingle!

Freezing

Freeze in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For the best texture, you may wish to freeze the sauce and proteins separately from the cooked pasta and combine after reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce, or zap in the microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage truly brings the flavors of the bayou straight to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction. It’s easy, fast, and endlessly flavorful—perfect for making any dinner feel like a special occasion, even on the busiest nights. Give it a try, and don’t be afraid to make it your own. Happy cooking!

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