Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta

AB here from Smokin’ and Grillin’ with AB, and today I’ve got a recipe that’ll spice up your weeknight dinners and wow your weekend guests: One Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, packed with bold Cajun flavors, succulent shrimp, and savory sausage, all wrapped up in a creamy, dreamy sauce. It’s easy to make and even easier to love. Let’s dive into this flavorful journey and transform your kitchen into a Cajun paradise!

Imagine this: tender shrimp seasoned to perfection, smoky sausage, and al dente fettuccine, all mingling in a rich, creamy sauce that’s bursting with Cajun spices. This dish is a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. It’s a perfect meal for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family gathering, a casual dinner with friends, or just want to treat yourself to something special. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your delicious creation. So, grab your apron and get ready to whip up a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your home!

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tsp Cajun or Creole seasoning
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Pasta

• 454 g fettuccine pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb smoked sausage (andouille or Schneiders spicy Sicilian smoked sausage), sliced
• 1 large onion, julienned
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 3/4 cup heavy cream (whipping, cooking, or half-and-half)
• 2 cups crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1-2 tbsp Cajun or Creole seasoning
• 1 tbsp granulated white sugar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or one Parmesan cheese rind), plus extra for garnish
• 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley (or herb of choice) for garnish

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

1. Prepare the Shrimp

Season the shrimp with 2 tsp of Cajun seasoning and 1/4 tsp of black pepper until well coated. Set aside to let the flavors meld.

2. Prepare the Ingredients

Slice the sausage, julienne the onion, and mince the garlic. Set everything aside so you’re ready to go when the cooking begins.

3. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions or until al dente. Drain and set aside.

4. Cook the Shrimp

Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-4 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn pink and are cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

5. Cook the Sausage

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, and brown the sausage until caramelized on both sides, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

6. Sauté the Aromatics

If needed, add another drizzle of olive oil to the pan. Sauté the onions, garlic, and thyme until fragrant and softened, about 5 minutes.

7. Make the Sauce

Add the chicken broth, cream, crushed tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce to the pan. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.

8. Season the Sauce

Season the sauce with 1-2 tbsp of Cajun seasoning, granulated white sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir to combine and let it simmer on medium heat for 5 minutes.

9. Finish the Sauce

Add the Parmesan cheese and continue to stir occasionally for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is well combined.

10. Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta and sausage to the sauce, stirring to combine and heat through, about 2-3 minutes. Add the shrimp, stir, and remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley, freshly cracked black pepper, and more Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Chicken and Shrimp Pasta: Replace half of the shrimp with diced chicken breast.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the shrimp and sausage, and add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
• Spicy Kick: Add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
• Cheesy Delight: Add more Parmesan or a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar.
• Seafood Medley: Include other seafood like scallops and mussels.
• Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
• Low-Carb: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
• Different Herbs: Experiment with fresh basil, cilantro, or rosemary.
• Tomato-Free: Skip the crushed tomatoes and add more cream and chicken broth for a white sauce version.

What to Serve With Cajun Shrimp Pasta

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Caesar Salad: A crisp, refreshing side.
• Grilled Asparagus: Adds a nice crunch and freshness.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: A great complement to the rich pasta.
• Coleslaw: For a tangy, crunchy contrast.
• Caprese Salad: Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil bring fresh flavors.
• Cornbread: Adds a sweet, hearty element.
• Green Beans Almondine: Light and flavorful.
• Antipasto Platter: A mix of meats, cheeses, and olives.
• Fruit Salad: Refreshing and lightens up the meal.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Author: AB Courses:Cajun/Creole

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 30 minutesCook time: 40 minutesRest time: 40 minutesTotal time:1 hour 50 minutesCooking Temp:100 CServings:4 servingsEstimated Cost:25 $Calories:300 kcal Best Season:Summer

Ingredients

• 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tsp Cajun or Creole seasoning
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Fettuccine pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 large onion, julienned
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1-2 tbsp Cajun or Creole seasoning
• 1 tbsp granulated white sugar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Season the shrimp with 2 tsp of Cajun seasoning and 1/4 tsp of black pepper until well coated. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
2. Slice the sausage, julienne the onion, and mince the garlic. Set everything aside so you’re ready to go when the cooking begins.
3. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-4 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn pink and are cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, and brown the sausage until caramelized on both sides, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
6. If needed, add another drizzle of olive oil to the pan. Sauté the onions, garlic, and thyme until fragrant and softened, about 5 minutes.
7. Add the chicken broth, cream, crushed tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce to the pan. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
8. Season the sauce with 1-2 tbsp of Cajun seasoning, granulated white sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir to combine and let it simmer on medium heat for 5 minutes.
9. Add the Parmesan cheese and continue to stir occasionally for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is well combined.
10. Add the cooked pasta and sausage to the sauce, stirring to combine and heat through, about 2-3 minutes. Add the shrimp, stir, and remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley, freshly cracked black pepper, and more Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Keywords:Andouille Sausage, Black Pepper, Cajun recipe, cajun seasoning, Cajun Shrimp Pasta, Cayenne Pepper, Chicken Broth, Creole Seasoning, crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, easy pasta dish, fettuccine pasta, fresh thyme, Garlic, Garlic Powder, granulated white sugar, heavy cream, Olive Oil, One Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage, onion, Onion Powder, Parmesan Cheese, Shrimp, Shrimp Pasta, smoked paprika, spicy sausage, Worcestershire Sauce