Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that brings the vibrant flavors of Louisiana right to your dinner table with this Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Pasta. Imagine a dish that combines the smoky richness of sausage, the succulence of perfectly cooked shrimp, and a creamy sauce that dances with Cajun spices.

This recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will transport your taste buds to the heart of New Orleans. Moreover, the combination of smoked sausage and tender shrimp creates a flavor profile that's both bold and irresistibly delicious.
Perfect for dinner parties, weeknight meals, or when you're craving something with a little culinary excitement, this pasta promises to become a new family favorite.
Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Pasta: A Spicy Skillet Sensation
This isn't just another pasta recipe it's a celebration of flavor that brings together the best of Cajun cuisine in one spectacular dish. The combination of smoky sausage, juicy shrimp, and creamy sauce creates a meal that's both comforting and exciting.
Get ready to discover how a few simple ingredients can create a restaurant-worthy dinner right in your own kitchen.
Serving Suggestions:
Your Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Pasta shines when served with:
- Garlic bread
- Fresh green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Cornbread
- Lemon wedges for squeezing
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Pasta:
Seasoning Secrets: Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.
Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain the ideal texture.
Shrimp Technique: Cook shrimp quickly to prevent overcooking and maintain tenderness.
Sauce Simmering: Let the sauce reduce slightly to intensify flavors.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prep ingredients in advance for a quick weeknight meal.
Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Pasta Recipe Details:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
- Equipment: Large pot, large skillet, cutting board, knife
This Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Pasta brings together the bold flavors of Louisiana in one irresistible dish.
Ingredients:
For the Pasta Base:
- 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- ½ pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (plus more for taste)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the pasta and cook until it reaches al dente perfection. Drain thoroughly and set aside, reserving a little pasta water if needed.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and sauté for 4–5 minutes until it develops a beautiful golden-brown color. Remove the sausage and set aside on a plate.
- Season the shrimp generously with Cajun seasoning, ensuring each piece is well-coated. In the same skillet, cook the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink and curl slightly. Remove and set aside with the sausage.
- Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the skillet. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper, cooking until they become soft and just start to caramelize, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to become fragrant but not burn.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Add additional Cajun seasoning to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 5–6 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
- Return the cooked sausage and shrimp to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and gently toss everything together, ensuring each piece is generously coated with the creamy Cajun sauce.
Ready to Relish!
Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. The combination of creamy sauce, spicy sausage, and tender shrimp creates a truly memorable meal.
Storage Solutions:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
- Reheat gently in a skillet, adding a splash of cream to restore sauciness
- Avoid freezing, as the cream sauce may separate
- Best consumed immediately for optimal flavor and texture
Whether you're looking to spice up your weeknight dinner or impress guests with a restaurant-quality meal, this Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Pasta delivers bold flavors and pure comfort in every single bite.
PrintCajun Shrimp & Sausage Pasta
This Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Pasta brings together the bold flavors of Louisiana in one irresistible dish.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
Ingredients
For the Pasta Base:
- 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- ½ pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (plus more for taste)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the pasta and cook until it reaches al dente perfection. Drain thoroughly and set aside, reserving a little pasta water if needed.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and sauté for 4–5 minutes until it develops a beautiful golden-brown color. Remove the sausage and set aside on a plate.
- Season the shrimp generously with Cajun seasoning, ensuring each piece is well-coated. In the same skillet, cook the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink and curl slightly. Remove and set aside with the sausage.
- Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the skillet. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper, cooking until they become soft and just start to caramelize, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to become fragrant but not burn.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Add additional Cajun seasoning to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 5–6 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
- Return the cooked sausage and shrimp to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and gently toss everything together, ensuring each piece is generously coated with the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
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