Name: Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed; 1 piece andouille sausage (about 1/2 pound), sliced into rounds; 1-2 tablespoons cajun/creole spice mix, divided; Olive oil (for cooking); 1/2 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 piece red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon brown sugar; 1-2 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes; 3/4 cup chicken broth; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 3/4 cup heavy cream or half & half; 12 ounces fettuccine or farfalle (bowties); Kosher salt (to taste); Fresh cracked black pepper (to taste); Grated Parmesan and chopped parsley, for serving

Jump to Recipe

Imagine a creamy, spicy, and comforting pasta dish that brings together juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and bold Cajun flavors all in one bite—sounds irresistible, right? That’s exactly what awaits you with Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage! This recipe is a real weeknight hero: it’s easy to pull together, packed with rich flavors, and sure to leave your family coming back for seconds. Did you know that Cajun cuisine is famous for combining simple, everyday ingredients into bold, crave-worthy meals? I remember the first time I whipped up this dish—it was a hit at our family dinner, with everyone competing for the last bite! If you’re a fan of my Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, you’ll love this for its spicy kick and comforting creamy sauce. Get ready to turn a handful of pantry staples into a hearty meal that’s perfect for busy nights or a cozy weekend treat. Dive in and let’s get cooking!

What is Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage?

Let’s break down that mouthful of a name: Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage! Sounds like a party in your mouth, doesn’t it? Picture spicy shrimp, hearty sausage, and pasta all tangled up in a zesty, creamy sauce—it’s dinner, the Cajun way! Who decided to pack so much flavor into one dish? The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and honestly, this recipe takes a shortcut! Whether you’re craving something comforting or just want to shake up your midweek meals, this dish has your back. Go on, give it a try—you might just find your new family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This

There’s so much to fall in love with here! First off, this dish’s biggest highlight has to be the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and creamy—each bite is bursting with bold Cajun flavors and juicy shrimp, paired perfectly with smoky sausage. Making it at home means you’ll save a bundle versus your favorite restaurant, and you can control the spice and ingredients to suit your family’s tastes. What really sets it apart? Those finishing touches of Parmesan and fresh parsley—they bring color and cheesy goodness that make a simple pasta dinner feel extra special. If you enjoyed my Creamy Chicken Alfredo, you’ll adore the twist of spice in this recipe! Give it a go and see how easily you can bring restaurant-style flavor to your own table.

How to Make Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage

Quick Overview

This Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage is the definition of quick, easy, and satisfying. With a creamy, dreamy sauce that comes together in just one pan and an unbeatable combination of shrimp and sausage, this is dinner done right. The prep is super simple, taking just 10 minutes, and you’ll have everything cooked and ready in under 35 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you need a comforting, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Bonus: it’s impressive enough to serve to guests!

Bowl of Cajun shrimp pasta with sausage, creamy sauce, and parsley garnish

Ingredients

1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
1 andouille sausage (about 1/2 pound), sliced into rounds
1-2 tablespoons cajun/creole spice mix, divided
Olive oil (for cooking)
1/2 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon cajun/creole spice mix
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1-2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
3/4 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
3/4 cup heavy cream or half & half
12 ounces fettuccine or farfalle (bowties)
Kosher salt (to taste)
Fresh cracked black pepper (to taste)
Grated Parmesan and chopped parsley, for serving

Step-by-Step

Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your fettuccine or farfalle and cook according to package instructions. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for adjusting the sauce later.
Season and cook the shrimp
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with 1-2 teaspoons of Cajun/Creole spice mix. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a swirl of olive oil. Add shrimp and cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, just until they start to turn pink and curl. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Sauté the sausage
Add the sliced andouille sausage to the same skillet. Cook until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside with the shrimp.
Sauté the vegetables
Lower heat to medium. Add a little more olive oil if needed, then add the sliced onion and red bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened (about 4-5 minutes). Add the chopped garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Build the sauce
Sprinkle the dried thyme, smoked paprika, brown sugar, and the remaining Cajun spice mix over the vegetables. Stir to coat. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Simmer and cream it up
Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream or half & half. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Combine and finish
Return the sausage and shrimp to the pan along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce coats the pasta beautifully. Let it warm through for 1-2 minutes.
Serve
Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped parsley. Enjoy!

What to Serve Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage With

Pair this hearty pasta with a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or a simple garlic bread for mopping up the creamy sauce. Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli add a pop of color and crunch to your dinner plate. As for drinks, why not try a chilled white wine—something crisp like Sauvignon Blanc—or even a lemonade for the kids? For a cozy finish, serve with a citrusy dessert like lemon bars or an easy apple crisp to balance out the spice.

Top Tips for Perfecting Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage

For perfectly cooked shrimp, make sure not to overcook them—once they turn pink and opaque, pull them from the pan right away.
Don’t have andouille sausage? Try smoked kielbasa or even chorizo for a different twist!
If you’re spice-sensitive, start with less Cajun seasoning and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out!
Make this recipe lighter by substituting half & half for heavy cream, or make it dairy-free with coconut milk.
Keep your pasta water! Adding a splash helps loosen the sauce and bind everything together.
Common mistake? Overcooking the pasta or letting the creamy sauce boil (it can separate). Low and slow is the way to go for the sauce.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftovers store beautifully! Place any remaining pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring between sessions for even heating.

To freeze, cool the pasta completely and transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as above. Do note: the texture of shrimp can change slightly when frozen, but it’s still delicious!

FAQs

How spicy is this pasta dish?
You control the heat! Start with less Cajun seasoning if you’re spice-sensitive, or add extra if you love the kick.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with fettuccine, farfalle, penne, or even spaghetti—use what you have on hand.

Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes, substitute coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative for the heavy cream. The sauce will still be creamy and delicious.

What if I can’t find andouille sausage?
No problem—smoked kielbasa, chorizo, or any flavorful sausage will work in a pinch and bring their own unique flavors.

Can I make this ahead of time?
While it’s best fresh, you can prep the veggies and meats ahead. Store separately, then cook and assemble when ready to serve for the best results.

Conclusion

Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage is a true celebration of bold flavors, creamy comfort, and easy home cooking. It’s the kind of meal that brings the family together and adds a little extra zing to your dinner rotation. Whether you’re new to Cajun recipes or a long-time fan, this dish is a must-try for its balance of spice, creaminess, and hearty satisfaction. With quick prep, budget-friendly ingredients, and a taste that will have everyone going back for seconds, you’ll want to add this to your weeknight repertoires. So roll up your sleeves and enjoy a taste of Cajun magic right from your own kitchen—your taste buds will thank you!