Spicy, creamy, and utterly satisfying, Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a flavor-packed dish featuring tender shrimp, smoky andouille sausage, and vibrant bell peppers tossed in a rich, Cajun-spiced sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this dish combines bold flavors with comforting pasta for an unforgettable meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Cajun Flavors: A perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and creamy.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level or swap ingredients to suit your taste.
- Restaurant Quality: A gourmet experience in the comfort of your home.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein, veggies, and pasta, it’s a complete meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or Creole seasoning)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 oz andouille sausage or smoked sausage, thinly sliced
- 10 oz fettuccine pasta
- ½ yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (or Creole seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2-3 cloves garlic, chopped
- ½ cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup sodium-free chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
Directions
- Toss shrimp with salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, and oregano until well coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Drizzle more olive oil into the skillet. Add sausage and brown for 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Cook fettuccine in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- In the skillet, add a touch more olive oil, then sauté onion, red bell pepper, Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
- Blend in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Add pasta and sausage, stirring to coat evenly and heat through.
- Return shrimp to the skillet, toss gently, and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Calories: 545 kcal per serving
Variations
- Vegetarian: Omit the shrimp and sausage, and add mushrooms or zucchini.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure Cajun seasoning is gluten-free.
- Extra Spicy: Add more Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce.
- Seafood Twist: Substitute shrimp with scallops or crab meat.
- Low-Calorie: Use light cream and reduce the Parmesan.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add it at the end to prevent overcooking.
2. What is the difference between Cajun and Creole seasoning?
Cajun seasoning is spicier, while Creole seasoning is more herbaceous.
3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
4. What other pasta can I use?
Linguine, penne, or spaghetti work well as substitutes.
5. Can I freeze Cajun Shrimp Pasta?
Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate.
6. How do I make it less spicy?
Reduce the Cajun seasoning and omit the brown sugar for a milder flavor.
7. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
8. What’s a good side dish for this pasta?
A fresh green salad or garlic bread complements it perfectly.
9. How can I thicken the sauce?
Simmer longer or stir in a cornstarch slurry if needed.
10. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a keto version.
Conclusion
Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a delightful combination of bold flavors, creamy textures, and hearty ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or impressing guests, this dish is sure to please. With its quick preparation, flexibility, and mouthwatering taste, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Print
Cajun Shrimp Pasta
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun / Creole
Description
Spice up your dinner with this Cajun Shrimp Pasta featuring tender shrimp, savory andouille sausage, and colorful bell peppers. Packed with bold Cajun flavors, creamy Parmesan sauce, and fettuccine, this dish is the ultimate comfort food for weeknight meals or entertaining guests. Ready in just 40 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or Creole seasoning)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 oz andouille sausage or smoked sausage (thinly sliced)
- 10 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 1/2 yellow onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (or Creole seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2–3 cloves garlic (chopped)
- 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth (sodium-free)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tbsp parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Season and Cook Shrimp:
- Toss shrimp with salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, and oregano.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle with olive oil, and cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage:
- In the same skillet, add more olive oil and cook the sausage slices until caramelized, about 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Cook Pasta:
- Boil fettuccine in salted water until al dente.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Lower the heat to medium and drizzle olive oil into the skillet.
- Add onion, red bell pepper, Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Sauté until softened.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, scraping up browned bits.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Stir Parmesan into the simmering sauce until blended.
- Add cooked pasta and sausage, tossing to combine and heat through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then add shrimp.
- Serve:
- Garnish with parsley and enjoy hot.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by increasing or decreasing Cajun seasoning.
- For a healthier version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Substitute chicken for shrimp or omit sausage for a pescatarian option.
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