Zesty Cajun Shrimp & Andouille Sausage Pasta Recipe

Creamy Cajun shrimp pasta with andouille sausage delivers a spicy southern comfort that dances across your palate.

Peppers and onions create a vibrant backdrop for this hearty meal.

Robust flavors meld together in a rich, velvety sauce that promises pure satisfaction.

Louisiana’s culinary spirit shines through each carefully crafted bite.

Smoky andouille sausage adds depth and complexity to the seafood-studded dish.

Warm spices weave magic into every forkful, transporting you to the heart of creole cuisine.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible comfort classic.

Cajun Shrimp Pasta Andouille Sausage With A Kick

• Spice Up Your Meal: Dive into a flavor explosion with this Cajun Shrimp Pasta that brings zesty Southern heat right to your dinner table.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up this restaurant-quality dish in just a few simple steps, using one skillet for minimal cleanup and maximum taste.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Adventure: Perfect for introducing bold Cajun flavors to everyone, with customizable spice levels that please both mild and wild palates.
• Protein-Packed Powerhouse: Loaded with succulent shrimp and hearty Andouille sausage, this pasta delivers a satisfying meal that keeps hunger at bay and taste buds dancing.

Ingredients Checklist For Cajun Shrimp Pasta Bowl

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides a tender and succulent protein base for the Cajun-style pasta.
• Andouille Sausage: Spicy smoked sausage that adds a robust and rich flavor to the dish.

• Pasta: The foundational carbohydrate that serves as the primary carrier for the creamy sauce and proteins.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp and salty depth to the sauce, helping to create a smooth and creamy texture.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and velvety sauce base that binds all the ingredients together.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Aromatic vegetables that provide a sweet and slightly crunchy background to the dish.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent and warm flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.
• Chicken Broth: Provides additional depth and liquid for the sauce.
• Cajun Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Cayenne Pepper: Spice blend that delivers a signature Cajun heat and complexity to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the flavors of all ingredients.
• Parsley: Fresh herb used for garnishing and adding a bright, clean finish to the dish.
• Lemon: Optional garnish that can provide a fresh, citrusy brightness.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat used for sautéing ingredients and preventing sticking.

Stepwise Instructions For Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Cook pasta until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Carefully scoop out and save some pasta water before draining.

Set the pasta aside, ready for its flavor adventure.

Step 2: Sear Spicy Sausage

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss in Andouille sausage and cook until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Transfer the sausage to a plate, letting it rest while you prepare the next elements.

Step 3: Spice Up The Shrimp

In the same skillet, add another splash of olive oil.

• Cajun seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook the shrimp until they turn a gorgeous pink and become perfectly opaque.

Remove and set aside with the sausage.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Continue using the same skillet to create layers of flavor.

Sauté onions and bell peppers until they become tender and slightly translucent.

Add minced garlic and cook until its fragrance fills the kitchen.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream.

Let the mixture simmer and reduce, watching it thicken into a luxurious sauce that coats the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Melt Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely and creates a smooth, velvety sauce.

Step 7: Marry Pasta And Sauce

Introduce the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce, tossing gently.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to reach the perfect consistency.

Step 8: Reunite Proteins

Gently fold the seared sausage and spiced shrimp back into the pasta, ensuring everything is beautifully coated and heated through.

Step 9: Final Flavor Adjustment

Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed, creating a perfectly balanced dish.

Step 10: Plate And Garnish

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the pasta.

Serve immediately, with optional lemon wedges on the side for a bright, citrusy finish.

Pro Tips For Perfect Cajun Shrimp Pasta Every Time

• Adjust Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper to match your heat tolerance, ranging from mild to fiery hot.
• Reserved pasta water acts as a secret weapon to loosen and smooth out the sauce, creating perfect consistency.
• Replace shrimp with chicken or swap Andouille sausage for smoked turkey sausage for different flavor profiles.
• Use the same skillet throughout cooking to maximize flavor development and minimize cleanup time.
• Chop fresh parsley right before serving to add bright, vibrant flavor and beautiful green color to the dish.

Cajun Shrimp Pasta Variations For Spicy Dinners

• Vegetarian Creamy Pasta: Replace shrimp and sausage with grilled portobello mushrooms and plant-based sausage. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour. Ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Swap: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Reduce cream and use Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative for creamy texture.

Serving Cajun Shrimp Pasta With Fresh Herbs

Perfect Plate Pairings: Classic Southern Comfort

• Crisp Coleslaw: Fresh, tangy cabbage slaw adds crunch and balances the spicy pasta's richness.
• Garlic Toasted Bread: Crusty French bread slices brushed with garlic butter make an ideal side for soaking up extra sauce.
• Green Garden Salad: Light mixed greens with zesty vinaigrette provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty main dish.
• Cold Beer Companion: Recommend a light lager or hoppy IPA to complement the Cajun spices and cut through the creamy sauce.

Storing Shrimp Pasta With Sausage For Lunches

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months, noting that cream-based sauces might slightly separate upon thawing.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to restore sauce consistency.

FAQs

• What makes Cajun seasoning unique?

Cajun seasoning is a bold spice blend originating from Louisiana, typically containing paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne, and oregano, which creates a spicy and complex flavor profile for dishes.

• Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Yes, reduce or omit cayenne pepper and use a mild Cajun seasoning. You can also control heat by selecting a milder Andouille sausage or adjusting the amount of spice blend used.

• Is Andouille sausage necessary for this recipe?

While Andouille sausage provides authentic Cajun flavor, you can substitute with smoked sausage or kielbasa if Andouille is unavailable. The key is using a flavorful, smoky sausage that complements the shrimp.

Cajun Shrimp Pasta Andouille Sausage Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spicy Cajun shrimp pasta with andouille sausage delivers a bold Louisiana-inspired flavor explosion that dances across taste buds. Rich, zesty ingredients combine in a hearty dish promising a culinary journey through southern comfort and fiery excitement you’ll savor to the last bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 ounces (226 grams) andouille sausage, sliced

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne or fettuccine pasta
• 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of salted water and cook pasta until perfectly tender, maintaining a slight bite. Carefully set aside 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
2. In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil and sear Andouille sausage until achieving a rich, caramelized exterior. Transfer browned sausage to a separate plate.
3. Within the same skillet, introduce additional olive oil and rapidly cook shrimp seasoned with Cajun spices, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook until shrimp transform into a vibrant pink and become completely opaque. Remove shrimp and reserve.
4. Utilize the identical skillet to sauté diced onions and bell peppers, cooking until vegetables soften and release their aromatic qualities. Introduce minced garlic and toast briefly until fragrant.
5. Stream chicken broth and heavy cream into the vegetable mixture, allowing the liquid to simmer and gradually reduce, creating a luxurious, slightly thickened sauce.
6. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and integrates smoothly into the sauce.
7. Gently fold cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand is evenly coated. Adjust sauce consistency by incorporating reserved pasta water as needed.
8. Reintroduce seared sausage and cooked shrimp into the pasta, gently tossing to distribute ingredients uniformly and reheat.
9. Taste and fine-tune seasoning with additional salt and pepper to enhance overall flavor profile.
10. Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley and serving immediately, accompanied by optional lemon wedges for a bright, citrusy accent.

Notes

• Select high-quality shrimp for the best flavor, preferring fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp with firm texture and clean smell.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity by controlling cayenne pepper amount, making the dish mild or extra spicy based on personal heat preference.
• Use heavy cream at room temperature to prevent sauce from breaking and ensure smooth, creamy consistency when combining with cheese.
• Consider gluten-free alternatives like zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta for those with dietary restrictions while maintaining similar flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 445 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 185 mg