The aroma of garlic and spices wafting through the kitchen is enough to make anyone weak in the knees. Imagine digging into a bowl of creamy Cajun shrimp pasta with sausage, where every bite explodes with flavor and warmth. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that transports you straight to a cozy bistro in New Orleans.

I remember the first time I made this creamy Cajun shrimp pasta recipe for my family. The way their eyes lit up as they took their first bite was priceless. It’s perfect for date nights, family get-togethers, or when you simply want to impress your taste buds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This creamy Cajun shrimp pasta recipe is incredibly easy to whip up on a busy weeknight.
- The robust flavors create a delightful taste explosion in your mouth.
- Its stunning presentation makes it a showstopper at dinner parties.
- It’s versatile enough to adapt to whatever ingredients you have on hand!
I once served this dish at a potluck, and let’s just say everyone was asking for seconds—mission accomplished!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pasta: Use fettuccine or linguine for that perfect bite; fresh or dried works well here.
- Shrimp: Opt for large, deveined shrimp; they hold up beautifully in the sauce.
- Andouille Sausage: This smoky sausage adds depth; slice it thinly for maximum flavor integration.
- Cream: Heavy cream gives the sauce its luscious texture; don’t skimp here!
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates the dish; feel free to increase the amount if you’re a garlic lover.
- Cajun Seasoning: Store-bought or homemade works wonders; adjust based on your heat preference.
- Bell Peppers: Use vibrant red and green peppers for color and sweetness; they add crunch too.
- Onion: Yellow onion provides sweetness as it caramelizes; chop finely for even cooking.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese enhances creaminess; sprinkle some on top before serving.
- Fresh Parsley: Garnish with parsley for freshness and color contrast; it looks great too!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, add sliced Andouille sausage. Cook until browned and crispy around the edges. Toss in chopped onions and bell peppers, stirring until they soften and become fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Shrimp: Stir in minced garlic followed by your peeled shrimp. Cook until the shrimp turns pink and opaque—about 3-4 minutes—making sure not to overcook them.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Pour in heavy cream along with Cajun seasoning. Stir gently until combined and simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes until thickened slightly.
- Toss Everything Together: Add your cooked pasta into the skillet along with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything thoroughly until each strand is coated in that heavenly creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Plate your creamy Cajun shrimp pasta generously topped with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy while warm!
This creamy Cajun shrimp pasta with sausage will quickly become a favorite at your table. Each step takes you closer to a culinary masterpiece that not only fills bellies but warms hearts too!
You Must Know
- The creamy Cajun shrimp pasta with sausage recipe is a delightful treat, balancing rich flavors and textures.
- The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates an explosion of taste that will keep your family coming back for more.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the pasta while sautéing shrimp and sausage in a separate pan. This saves time and ensures everything is hot and ready to serve together.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the shrimp for chicken or add bell peppers for extra crunch. Customize spice levels by adjusting the Cajun seasoning to suit your taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if it looks dry.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh shrimp for better flavor; frozen shrimp can be watery.
- When cooking sausage, ensure it’s browned well for added depth.
- Taste as you go; adjusting spices enhances flavor balance.
Sharing this dish with friends was a game-changer; they couldn’t believe how easy it was! Their smiles when tasting it made all my efforts worthwhile.
FAQ
What type of pasta works best in creamy Cajun shrimp pasta?
Fettuccine or penne are excellent choices, offering great texture to hold the sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare everything but the sauce and combine them just before serving for freshness.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and check sausage labels for gluten-free options.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage
- Author: Mery Mack
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage is an irresistible dish bursting with bold flavors, combining succulent shrimp and smoky sausage in a luscious cream sauce. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine
- 1 lb large shrimp, deveined
- 8 oz Andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook sliced sausage until browned. Add onions and bell peppers; sauté until soft.
- Stir in garlic and shrimp; cook until shrimp are pink.
- Pour in heavy cream and Cajun seasoning; simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Toss cooked pasta with the sauce and Parmesan cheese until well coated.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 230mg
Keywords: Swap shrimp for chicken or add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to customize your dish. Adjust the Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference.