Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage
Indulge in a bold and flavorful Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage, a dish that brings together smoky, spicy, and creamy elements for a comforting yet exciting meal. Juicy shrimp, savory sausage, and tender pasta are coated in a rich, Cajun-spiced cream sauce that’s packed with flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Protein:
½ lb shrimp (peeled & deveined)
½ lb smoked sausage (sliced)
For the Sauce:
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
Salt & black pepper (to taste)
For Garnish:
2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
½ cup cherry tomatoes (halved, optional)
Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Sausage & Shrimp:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and cook until browned (about 3-4 minutes). Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, add butter and cook the shrimp with 1 tsp Cajun seasoning for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce:
In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant (30 seconds).
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes.
Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Combine Everything:
Return the cooked sausage, shrimp, and pasta to the skillet. Toss until evenly coated in the sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Serve & Garnish:
Garnish with fresh parsley, cherry tomatoes, and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately!
Tips & Tricks
Perfectly Cooked Shrimp:
Shrimp cooks quickly! Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so remove them as soon as they turn pink.
Customizable Heat:
Adjust the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. You can also add hot sauce for extra heat!
Creamy & Thick Sauce:
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If too thin, let it simmer for an extra minute.
Cheese Matters:
Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce—pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well.
Make It Lighter:
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lower-calorie option.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: 600-650 kcal
Protein: 35g
Carbs: 55g
Fats: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 1000mg (varies based on seasoning & sausage)