Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta: A Southern Comforting Pasta Dish for Hectic Weeknights.
When it comes to quick and easy dinner solutions for busy weeknights, nothing beats a delicious one-pot meal that the whole family can enjoy.
This restaurant-quality Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta combines the delightful flavors of the South with a homemade Cajun sauce, creating a scrumptious and family-friendly dish that only takes 30 minutes to prepare.
This traditional Southern shrimp pasta recipe infused with cajun spices and creole seasonings will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.
So, let’s dive into this mouthwatering pasta recipe that brings the warmth and comfort of Cajun food right to your table.
Why You’ll Love this Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Recipe
This surf and turf seafood recipe is a true delight for your taste buds, combining the succulent goodness of shrimp with the hearty flavors of andouille sausage.
Here’s why you’ll absolutely fall in love with this delectable dish:
1. Surf and Turf Fusion: If you’re a fan of both seafood and hearty meats, this recipe is a match made in food heaven. The combination of tender, juicy shrimp and smoky andouille sausage creates a surf and turf experience that is simply unforgettable.
2. Quick and Easy: For those busy weeknights when time is of the essence, having a go-to recipe that takes only 30 minutes to make is a lifesaver. This one-pot meal saves time on both preparation and cleanup, making it the ultimate solution for those busy days when you need a quick meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
3. Restaurant-Quality at Home: Treat yourself to a five-star dining experience right at home with this restaurant-quality pasta dish. Impress your guests with this scrumptious homemade meal that tastes as good as anything you’d find at a top-notch eatery.
4. Creamy Cajun Sauce Made from Scratch: The homemade Cajun sauce is the star of this dish. The medley of flavors perfectly complements the shrimp and sausage, creating a harmonious explosion of taste in every mouthful.
5. Family-Friendly: This dish is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Whether it’s a delightful weekend dinner or a special occasion, our Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Andouille Sausage will have everyone reaching for seconds. A delightful twist to the classic pasta.
So, if you’re looking for a seafood recipe that delivers the perfect blend of succulent shrimp, savory sausage, and bold Cajun flavors, this dish is a must-try.
Get ready to savor the best of both worlds with every forkful!
Ingredients for Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage
(See the recipe card below for full ingredient list with quantities & instructions)
- Penne pasta
- Shrimp
- Andouille sausage
- Cajun seasoning
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Crushed tomatoes
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper
How to Make Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta
Step-by-Step Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Recipe:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Season the Shrimp and Sausage:
In a mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with the sliced andouille sausage. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning over the mixture and toss well to coat the shrimp and sausage evenly with the spices. Set aside.
3. Sauté the Shrimp and Sausage:
In a large skillet or deep pan, melt the unsalted butter and add the olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and sausage to the pan, and cook until the shrimp turn pink and the sausage is lightly browned. Remove the shrimp and sausage from the pan and set them aside.
4. Prepare the Cajun Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
5. Add the Liquid Ingredients:
Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy sauce.
7. Combine the Shrimp, Sausage, and Pasta:
Add the cooked shrimp and sausage back into the skillet with the creamy Cajun sauce. Mix everything together until the shrimp and sausage are well coated with the sauce.
8. Season and Garnish:
Taste the Cajun shrimp and sausage pasta, and season with salt and black pepper as desired. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a final touch of color and flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the creamy Cajun shrimp and sausage pasta to serving plates or a large bowl. This delicious dish is now ready to be enjoyed by you and your loved ones!
Serve this delectable Cajun pasta dish on its own or with a side of garlic bread for a complete weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
The Best Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage
This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage is the perfect representation of Southern flavors and spicy food.
Its quick preparation and one-pot convenience make it an ideal option for those busy nights when you crave a comforting pasta dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
With its homemade Cajun sauce and delightful blend of shrimp, sausage, and creole seasonings, this restaurant-quality pasta dish will leave your family and guests wanting more.
So, why not treat yourself and your loved ones to this creamy and flavorful Cajun pasta recipe that will surely become a favorite in your household?
Is andouille sausage necessary, or can I use a different type of sausage?
Andouille sausage is traditionally used in Cajun cuisine, but if you can’t find it, you can substitute with other smoked sausages like kielbasa or chorizo.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
While fresh shrimp is preferred, you can use thawed frozen shrimp. Just make sure to pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.
What kind of Cajun seasoning should I use?
You can use store-bought Cajun seasoning, which is readily available in most grocery stores and supermarkets. Look for reputable brands known for their authentic Cajun flavor. Alternatively, you can make your own Cajun seasoning at home using a blend of common spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, and black pepper.
What is a good substitute for Cajun seasoning?
If you don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand, creole seasoning can be a suitable substitute since they share many similar ingredients. It may have a slightly milder flavor compared to Cajun seasoning, but it can still provide a delicious and aromatic taste to your dish.
Cajun Pasta Variations for Everyone
Whether you’re a vegetarian, gluten-free, or seeking exciting seafood alternatives, we’ve got you covered.
Chicken and Sausage Pasta: Replace the shrimp with bite-sized pieces of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Cook the chicken in the same skillet as the sausage until fully cooked and slightly browned. Proceed with the rest of the recipe as usual.
Vegetarian Cajun Pasta: To make a vegetarian version of this dish, replace the shrimp and sausage with a combination of vegetables.
Gluten Free Cajun Shrimp Pasta: To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta instead of regular penne pasta. You can find various gluten-free pasta options made from rice, corn, quinoa, or lentils in most grocery stores.
Other Pasta Recipes to Try!
- Rasta Pasta
- Italian Sausage Rigatoni
- One Pot Italian Sausage Gnocchi
- Gigi Hadid’s Pasta
- Rigatoni Bolognese
Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta
Savor the comforting southern flavors with our Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta recipe, perfect for hectic weeknights. This quick and easy dinner delivers a restaurant-quality pasta dish in just 30 minutes.
Loaded with creamy, spicy Cajun sauce, tender shrimp, and flavorful andouille sausage, this one-pot meal is one of the easiest solutions for a busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 16 oz penne pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Season shrimp and sliced andouille sausage with Cajun seasoning.
- Sauté the seasoned shrimp and sausage until cooked through, then remove from the pan.
- In the same pan, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and crushed tomatoes. Simmer to thicken the sauce.
- Stir in shredded Parmesan cheese to create a creamy sauce.
- Add back the cooked shrimp and sausage to the sauce.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
- Don't Overcook the Shrimp: To ensure tender and juicy shrimp, be careful not to overcook them. They should turn pink and opaque, which usually takes only a few minutes.
- Searing the Sausage: For extra flavor, consider searing the andouille sausage slices in the pan before adding the shrimp. This step helps to enhance the smoky flavors of the sausage.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 524Total Fat 30gSaturated Fat 14gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 226mgSodium 2635mgCarbohydrates 30gFiber 2gSugar 3gProtein 33g