Recipe

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Shrimp, smoky sausage, and bold Cajun flavor make this pasta one of those recipes that’s easy to love and just as easy to make.

This Cajun shrimp and sausage pasta is creamy, full of flavor, and guaranteed to hit the spot when everyone is hungry and you don’t have time for second-guessing.

Spicy Sausage & Shrimp Pasta

This Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Pasta recipe was inspired by my mother-in-law, who always throws together the best meals using leftovers from a boil (we live in New Orleans). If there’s sausage left, she slices it up, tosses it with shrimp, and turns it into something hearty and flavorful.

I've kept that tradition going using smoked sausage from the store, and it's now a go-to recipe when I need to feed my teenage sons and their friends. It's ultra filling and packed with bold flavor, kind of like this Cajun shrimp pasta but leveled up with even more protein.

Ingredients

Pasta (any shape), shrimp (fresh or frozen), and Andouille or smoked sausages are the heart of this recipe. Extra flavor comes from Cajun seasoning, and a creamy sauce made with butter, onion, garlic, half-and-half, and Parmesan cheese. Delicious!

Swaps for Cajun Seasoning

If you don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand, you can still make this meal super flavorful by swapping it for the same amount of Blackened seasoning or your favorite Creole seasoning.

How to Make Cajun Pasta with Shrimp & Sausage

Below it’s an overview of the process to make Cajun shrimp and sausage pasta, plus useful tips to get the best result:

Cook the pasta
Once done, reserve pasta water for later.
Cook the shrimp and the sausage
Season the shrimp and cook them in a large skillet in a single layer for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Cook in two batches if needed; overcrowding the pan will make the shrimp watery. In the same pan, cook the sausage for about 2 minutes.
Make the sauce
You’ll make the most of the seasoned tidbits by cooking the sauce in the very same pan. Sauté garlic and onion with Cajun seasoning for about 5 minutes. Add half-and-half and Parmesan cheese, and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
Combine
Add the pasta, cooked shrimp, and sausage to the skillet. Now is when you add the reserved pasta water to get a creamy sauce. You can add a little more if you want it thinner.

How to Adjust the Heat

This recipe includes enough Cajun seasoning to make it slightly spicy, but not too much. You can always adjust the heat by adding more or less seasoning to your liking.

Sides to Finish the Meal

Since this dish is satisfying by itself, I like to serve it with light veggie side dishes for a complete and balanced meal. An everyday side salad, spicy green beans, or sautéed cabbage pair amazingly well with this pasta dinner!

Easy Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Pasta

top view of cajun shrimp & sausage pasta

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 25

Shrimp, smoky sausage, and bold Cajun flavor make this pasta one of those recipes that's easy to love and just as easy to make.

5 from 4 votes

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Ingredients

16 oz pasta, any shape
1 cup reserved pasta water
½ lb medium shrimp, peeled and thawed if frozen
2 Andouille sausages or smoked sausages, about ½ lb sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, divided
4 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups half and half
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, more for serving

Instructions

Prep:

Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.
Pat the shrimp dry with 2 paper towels, then transfer them to a medium bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 ½ teaspoons (½ tablespoon) of the Cajun seasoning. Toss the shrimp in the olive oil and seasonings.

Cook the shrimp:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer without touching and cook them for 1 to 2 minutes per side. Avoid overcrowding; cook in two batches if needed-otherwise, the pan will steam and the shrimp will release watery juices. Shrimp are done in 3 to 4 minutes total, once they're no longer translucent pink. Remove them from the pan onto a plate and repeat the batch if needed.
Add the sliced sausage to the empty pan and cook it just until it’s heated through, about 2 minutes. Remove it from the pan onto the plate with the shrimp.

Make the Sauce:

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter to the pan, along with the seasoned tidbits. Use a spatula to melt the butter, then add the onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic, and the remaining ½ tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Stir, and continue cooking for 2 more minutes.
Add the half-and-half and Parmesan cheese and mix until combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer and then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the sauce for 5 minutes.

Combine:

Add the pasta, cooked shrimp, and sausage to the skillet, along with ½ cup of the reserved pasta water, and toss to combine with the creamy sauce. Slowly add the remaining pasta water to make it more saucy.
Serve this shrimp and sausage pasta topped with Parmesan cheese.