Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage: A Flavor-Packed Dinner

When you crave a dish that’s both deeply comforting and bursting with bold, exciting flavors, this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage is your answer. It’s an incredibly satisfying meal that brings together succulent shrimp, savory sausage, and tender pasta, all coated in a rich, spicy, and unbelievably creamy Cajun sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, it delivers a taste of the bayou right to your dinner table.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage is a personal favorite in my kitchen here in Marion, South Carolina. What I absolutely love about it is how it manages to be incredibly indulgent and packed with flavor, yet it comes together so quickly. The combination of smoky sausage, sweet shrimp, and that fiery, creamy Cajun sauce is simply irresistible. It’s a fantastic one-pan (or rather, one-pot-and-one-pan!) meal that makes cleanup a breeze, and it’s versatile enough to adjust the spice level to everyone’s liking. It’s the kind of dish that disappears fast and always leaves everyone feeling happy and satisfied.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly flavorful Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage:

For the Protein:

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

For the Pasta:

• 10 oz fettuccine pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)

For the Sauce & Veggies:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (or Creole seasoning)
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ cup crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken stock
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Seasoning:

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Swaps and Notes

• Shrimp: Use large shrimp for a more substantial bite. If using smaller shrimp, they will cook faster, so adjust accordingly.
• Sausage: Smoked sausage (like andouille or kielbasa) is excellent for this recipe, adding a smoky depth. You can use beef, pork, or even chicken sausage.
• Pasta: Fettuccine is great for holding creamy sauces, but feel free to use linguine, penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti.
• Cajun Seasoning: Spice levels in Cajun/Creole seasonings vary. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more to taste for extra heat and flavor. A pinch of cayenne pepper can also be added for more fire.
• Veggies: Any color of bell pepper works. You can also add other quick-cooking veggies like spinach (stir in at the very end), or sliced mushrooms.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes (drained) can be used, but crushed tomatoes create a smoother sauce.
• Chicken Stock: Low-sodium chicken stock gives you more control over the saltiness. Vegetable broth can be substituted.
• Heavy Cream: This is key for the creamy texture. Do not substitute with lighter milks.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts best and provides the superior flavor.

Instructions

Let’s get cooking this delicious Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage:

1. Prepare the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Sauté for 2–3 minutes per side until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and lightly browned. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Sausage: In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced sausage and cook, turning occasionally, until it’s browned and slightly crispy on both sides. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set aside with the shrimp.
4. Sauté the Veggies: Add the thinly sliced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet (add a tiny bit more oil if the pan is dry). Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
5. Make the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more Cajun spice, salt, or pepper if needed.
6. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water (just in case the sauce needs thinning later).
7. Combine Everything: Return the cooked shrimp and sausage to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pastato the skillet. Toss everything well with tongs until the pasta, shrimp, and sausage are evenly coated in the creamy sauce and heated through. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
8. Serve: Ladle the Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the bold, comforting Cajun flavors!

Tips for Success

• Prep Ahead: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking. This dish comes together quickly!
• Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook very fast. Remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink to keep them tender. They will continue to cook slightly when added back to the hot sauce.
• Build Flavor: Allowing the sausage to brown and the vegetables to soften properly builds the foundational flavors for the sauce.
• Adjust Spice: Cajun seasonings vary. Taste your sauce and add more seasoning, salt, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper if you desire more heat.
• Fresh Parmesan: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor in your creamy sauce.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage is a complete meal in itself, but here are some ideas to complement it:

• Garlic Bread: A side of warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
• Side Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing would offer a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
• Steamed Vegetables: Simple steamed broccoli or green beans.
• Beverage Pairings: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc, a light lager, or even a sweet iced tea would pair well with the spicy, creamy notes.
• More Cajun & Southern Flavors: If you love the bold tastes of the South, this pasta would fit perfectly into a meal theme with my Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo for a full comfort food spread!

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftover Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The sauce may thicken considerably upon cooling. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or milk to loosen the sauce and bring it back to a creamy consistency. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you appreciate vibrant, flavorful, and hearty main dishes like this one, you’ll surely love these other fantastic recipes from Chef Maniac:

• For another quick and flavorful dinner, my Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage is a fantastic option.
• If you’re looking for a convenient one-pan dinner that’s always a hit, try my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole.
• And for an easy, cheesy chicken dish that’s always a hit, check out my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
• If you need a quick way to feed a crowd with something cheesy and delicious, these Sheet Pan Quesadillas are incredibly efficient.

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This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage is a fantastic recipe that proves weeknight dinners can be both quick and incredibly delicious. Its rich, spicy, and creamy flavors will transport your taste buds and leave everyone feeling completely satisfied. Give it a try, and spice up your dinner routine!

What’s your favorite way to enjoy Cajun flavors in a pasta dish? Share your ideas in the comments below!