Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage: How to Make the Most Addictive Pasta Ever

If you’re craving a bold, comforting dish that packs a punch of flavor, look no further than this Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage. It’s got all the correct elements: juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, a spicy Cajun kick, and a creamy sauce that ties everything together.

This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat when you want something satisfying and flavorful. Let’s dive into the ingredients and how to bring this tasty meal to life.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

Shrimp: 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. These are the stars of the dish, soaking up all those bold Cajun flavors.
Sausage: 1/2 pound of Andouille sausage (or Italian sausage, if you prefer). Sliced into rounds, it adds that rich, smoky flavor.
Pasta: 8 ounces of your favorite pasta (penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine all work great).
Cajun Seasoning: 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning for that perfect balance of heat, paprika, and spice.
Heavy Cream: 1 cup of heavy cream for the creamy, dreamy sauce.
Butter: 2 tablespoons for that rich, silky sauce.
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon for sautéing the sausage and shrimp.
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced, to infuse the dish with flavor.
Onion: 1 small onion, diced, to create a savory base for the sauce.
Bell Peppers: 1 bell pepper, diced (any color will do), for a pop of sweetness and crunch.
Tomatoes: 1 large, chopped tomato for a juicy burst of freshness in the sauce.
Fresh Herbs: A handful of fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish.
Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s done, drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later (about 1/2 cup).
Brown the Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add the shrimp, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp and set aside with the sausage.
Make the Sauce: Add 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Once melted, toss the minced garlic, diced onion, bell pepper, and chopped tomato. Sauté for about 5 minutes until everything softens and becomes aromatic.
Bring it All Together: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and a bit of the reserved pasta water (about 1/4 cup) to help the sauce come together. Stir and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combine: Toss the cooked pasta, sausage, and shrimp into the skillet, coating everything in the creamy Cajun sauce. If it looks a little thick, add more reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Finish and Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and squeeze lemon juice to give it a little zing. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Success

Spice It Up: If you like extra spicy, add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
One-Pan Wonder: Cooking the shrimp and sausage in the same pan saves time and infuses the dish with extra flavor. Please don’t skip it!
Cream Alternatives: For a lighter version, you can swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or use a dairy-free cream for a different twist.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is hearty, but add a simple side salad with a zesty vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For drinks, a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the spice and richness of the dish.

Conclusion

This Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage quickly brings bold, smoky, and creamy flavors to your table. The shrimp and sausage meld perfectly with the rich Cajun sauce, while the creamy texture makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re serving it up for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s a guaranteed hit. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!