Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta

Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta is a delightful dish that showcases the rich flavors of Southern cuisine. The combination of shrimp and sausage is a match made in culinary heaven. The addition of Cajun seasoning, a staple of Creole cooking, adds a kick of heat and depth of flavor that complements the creaminess of the sauce. The dish is then served over pasta, typically fettuccine, which acts as a perfect base to absorb the bold, savory flavors.

At its core, Cajun shrimp and sausage pasta combines fresh, seasoned shrimp, hearty sausage (often Andouille or smoked sausage), and a rich sauce made from crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. The dish is seasoned with Cajun spices, creating a harmonious balance of heat, smokiness, and a touch of sweetness.

Whether you’re craving a spicy meal to warm up a cool evening or looking for a dish that will wow your guests, this Cajun-inspired pasta offers a comforting yet exciting culinary experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you dive into the cooking process, it’s important to gather the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create the perfect Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these shrimp will soak up the Cajun seasoning and become perfectly tender when cooked.
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning: This spice blend is the backbone of the dish, providing the heat and depth of flavor that makes Cajun cooking so distinctive.
• ½ tsp dried oregano: Oregano adds a fragrant, earthy note that balances the spice of the Cajun seasoning.
• Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Essential for seasoning, these staples enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Olive oil is your go-to fat for cooking, helping to sauté the ingredients to perfection.
• 6 oz sausage: Andouille or smoked sausage works best here, but feel free to use a milder sausage if you prefer less heat.
• 10 oz fettuccine pasta: Fettuccine is ideal because its wide noodles perfectly catch the sauce, making every bite as flavorful as the last.
• ½ yellow onion: Thinly sliced, the onion adds sweetness and texture to the dish.
• 1 red bell pepper: Thinly sliced, this vibrant vegetable brings color and a mild sweetness that balances the heat.
• 4 cloves garlic: Garlic adds that rich, aromatic flavor that every great dish needs.
• ½ cup crushed tomatoes: These will form the base of the sauce, contributing to the depth of flavor and creamy texture.
• 1 cup chicken broth: Using low-sodium chicken broth ensures you can control the salt level while enhancing the sauce’s flavor.
• 1 cup heavy cream: This creates a luscious, velvety texture that brings all the elements together.
• ⅔ cup grated Parmesan: Parmesan cheese melts beautifully into the sauce, adding richness and a nutty flavor.
• 1 tbsp parsley: Chopped parsley adds freshness and a pop of color as a garnish.

Ingredient	Quantity
Large shrimp, peeled & deveined	1 lb
Cajun seasoning	1 tsp + 4 tsp
Dried oregano	½ tsp
Olive oil	2 tbsp + extra
Andouille or smoked sausage	6 oz
Fettuccine pasta	10 oz
Yellow onion	½, thinly sliced
Red bell pepper	1, thinly sliced
Garlic	2-3 cloves, chopped
Crushed tomatoes	½ cup
Chicken broth (low-sodium)	1 cup
Heavy cream	1 cup
Grated Parmesan	⅔ cup
Fresh parsley (for garnish)	1 tbsp, chopped

How to Make Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta

Now that you’ve gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to cook! Follow these steps to make the perfect Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Shrimp:
   • Start by tossing the shrimp in a bowl with salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, and dried oregano. Make sure each shrimp is evenly coated with the seasoning mix. This will ensure that every bite has the perfect balance of flavor.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
   • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp to the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side, flip them, and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Brown the Sausage:
   • In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and then add the sliced sausage. Brown the sausage for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside with the shrimp.
4. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a little bit of pasta water to help adjust the sauce later if necessary.
5. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • Reduce the heat to medium in the same skillet and add more olive oil if necessary. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper to the pan, along with a pinch of salt, Cajun seasoning, and brown sugar. Sauté for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
6. Add Garlic and Tomatoes:
   • Add the chopped garlic to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and allow the sauce to cook for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   • Once the sauce is simmering, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and thicken the sauce further. Add the cooked pasta and sausage to the skillet, stirring to coat everything evenly in the sauce. Let everything heat through for 2–3 minutes.
8. Add the Shrimp:
   • Finally, add the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together, allowing the shrimp to warm up in the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
9. Serve:
   • Once everything is well combined, serve the pasta in bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Cooking Tips for the Perfect Pasta

To make sure your Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

1. Adjust the Spice Level: The Cajun seasoning brings heat to this dish, but you can adjust it to your liking. For a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a milder Creole blend. Alternatively, if you want more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
2. Use Fresh Garlic and Vegetables: Fresh garlic and vegetables make a huge difference in the final flavor. The garlic should be fragrant but not burned, and the vegetables should be tender but still retain some texture.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer long enough for the flavors to meld. This helps to enhance the richness and depth of the sauce.
4. Use High-Quality Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan will melt more smoothly into the sauce, creating a rich, creamy texture. Avoid pre-grated Parmesan, as it can have additives that affect the flavor.