Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta

Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta is a bold, flavor-packed dish inspired by the rich and spicy flavors of Louisiana cuisine. This recipe brings together juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and tender pasta, all coated in a luxuriously creamy Cajun-spiced sauce. It’s the perfect balance of heat, richness, and comfort—every bite delivers warmth and depth without being overwhelming.

What makes this dish so special is how it transforms everyday ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. The Cajun seasoning adds a spicy kick, while the cream sauce mellows everything into a smooth, indulgent finish. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or simply treating yourself, this pasta delivers big flavor with comforting familiarity. It’s hearty enough for dinner yet elegant enough to serve for special occasions.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s comfort food with attitude. The smoky sausage pairs beautifully with the sweetness of shrimp, while the creamy Cajun sauce ties everything together in the most satisfying way. It’s also incredibly versatile—easy to adjust the spice level and customize with vegetables or different pasta shapes.

Another reason I love it is how quickly it comes together. In about 35 minutes, you can serve a dish that looks and tastes like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Packed with bold Cajun flavors
• Creamy, comforting, and filling
• Quick enough for weeknights
• Perfect balance of spice and richness
• Crowd-pleasing and customizable

If you enjoy creamy pasta dishes with a little heat, this recipe is absolutely worth trying.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 10–15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: 30–40 minutes
• Servings: 4–5 servings
• Calories: Approximately 550–600 calories per serving

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun / Southern American

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
• Salt, for boiling water

For the Shrimp and Sausage

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz smoked sausage (andouille preferred), sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Cajun Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt, to taste

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Cooking Directions

This dish is prepared by cooking the pasta separately while sautéing shrimp and sausage in Cajun spices. A creamy garlic sauce is then made in the same pan, allowing all the flavors to blend beautifully before everything is tossed together.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

In a bowl, toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning, paprika, and black pepper until evenly coated.

Step 3: Cook the Sausage

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage slices and cook until browned. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Add remaining olive oil to the same pan. Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with sausage.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter. Add onion and cook until soft, then add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes.

Step 6: Add Cream and Cheese

Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Stir until sauce thickens slightly.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Add cooked pasta, sausage, and shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.

Step 8: Final Touch

Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat and garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.

How to Serve

• Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and Parmesan
• Pair with garlic bread or crusty bread
• Add a simple green salad to balance the richness
• Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining

Recipe Tips

• Do not overcook shrimp—they cook very quickly
• Adjust Cajun seasoning to control spice level
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for smoother sauce
• Reserve pasta water to fine-tune sauce consistency
• Let sauce simmer gently—avoid boiling

Variations

Extra Spicy Cajun Pasta

Add additional Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce.

Chicken Cajun Pasta

Replace shrimp with sliced chicken breast or thighs.

Vegetable Cajun Pasta

Add bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra texture and nutrition.

Lighter Version

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and turkey sausage.

Cheesy Cajun Pasta Bake

Transfer finished pasta to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly.

Freezing and Storage Time

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Cream sauces may slightly change texture upon reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of cream or milk.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs or pasta spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish with bold Southern flair. With juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and a rich, creamy Cajun sauce, it’s a meal that delivers warmth, spice, and satisfaction in every bite. Easy enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself craving its creamy, spicy goodness again and again.