There’s something magical about Cajun food—bold spices, rich sauces, and a warmth that wraps around you like a big Southern hug. This Cajun Pasta recipe brings together juicy shrimp, smoky andouille sausage, and a creamy, flavorful sauce that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
I first learned a variation of this dish from my grandmother who loved experimenting with Southern flavors. She had this knack for tossing together pantry staples and turning them into soul-soothing meals. This version is inspired by her adventurous spirit, layered with spices, and perfect for both summer indulgence and winter comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Pasta
- Full of Flavor: A blend of Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic, and just a hint of cayenne.
- Creamy & Comforting: The sauce is rich but balanced with spice and smoky sausage.
- Customizable: Perfect with shrimp, chicken, or even just veggies.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes—yes, please!
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Proteins & Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 oz andouille sausage, sliced
Seasoning & Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Season & Sear the Shrimp
In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with half of the Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side or until pink and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Brown the Sausage
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the andouille sausage until browned and slightly crisp. Set aside with the shrimp.
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics
Lower the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and use your spoon to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits. Stir in the heavy cream and remaining Cajun seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and let it thicken for 3–4 minutes.
Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 6: Toss Everything Together
Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and sausage back into the skillet. Toss well to coat the pasta with the sauce. Let everything heat through for 1–2 minutes.
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot—and don’t forget some crusty bread to mop up that sauce!
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Creamy Cajun Pasta with Shrimp and Sausage: A Spicy Comfort Classic
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Creamy Cajun Pasta with Shrimp and Sausage is the ultimate comfort food with a bold, Southern twist! Tender shrimp and smoky sausage are tossed in a rich, creamy Cajun-spiced sauce with sautéed peppers and onions, then served over perfectly cooked pasta. Every bite is packed with flavor, heat, and heartiness — making it an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing weekend treat. Ready in under 40 minutes, this one-pan meal is as satisfying as it is simple.
Ingredients
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Pasta: 12 ounces of fettuccine or penne pasta
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Shrimp: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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Sausage: 6 ounces andouille or smoked sausage, thinly sliced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced
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1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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2-3 cloves garlic, minced
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Seasonings:
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1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
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1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Sauce:
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1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
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1 teaspoon brown sugar
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2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Garnish:
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Fresh parsley, chopped
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Additional grated Parmesan cheese
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Instructions
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Prepare the Pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
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Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well coated.
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Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
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Cook the Sausage: In the same skillet, add the sliced sausage. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the sausage is browned and slightly crispy. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside with the shrimp.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the sliced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
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Prepare the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, and brown sugar to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes.
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Incorporate Parmesan: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
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Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and sausage to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and proteins are well coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
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Season to Taste: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning as desired.
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Serve: Divide the pasta among serving plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
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Adjusting Spice Level: Cajun seasoning can vary in heat. Start with the suggested amounts and adjust according to your heat preference.
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Sausage Options: Andouille sausage is traditional in Cajun cuisine, but you can substitute it with other smoked sausages if preferred.
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Pasta Choices: While fettuccine and penne are recommended, feel free to use other pasta shapes like linguine or bowtie.
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Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.
Enjoy your homemade Creamy Cajun Pasta with Shrimp and Sausage!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Substitutions & Variations
- Protein Swap: Use grilled chicken or skip meat altogether and load up on mushrooms and bell peppers.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap fettuccine with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
- Extra Veggies: Add sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for a veggie boost.
- Lighter Version: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free twist.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cajun Pasta
- Don’t overcook the shrimp—they can turn rubbery fast.
- Use high-quality Parmesan for the creamiest texture and richest flavor.
- Adjust spice levels to taste—Cajun seasoning brands vary in heat.
Pairing Suggestions
- Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or chilled Riesling pairs beautifully with the spice and cream.
- Sides: Serve with garlic bread, a light Caesar salad, or roasted veggies.
- Dessert: Follow with something light like lemon sorbet or a fruit tart.
Cajun Pasta FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook and store the sauce separately from the pasta, then combine and reheat with a splash of cream or broth.
Q: Is Cajun seasoning spicy?
It depends on the blend. Most have a medium heat level, but you can always adjust it to your preference.
Q: Can I freeze Cajun pasta?
Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well. It’s best eaten fresh or refrigerated for up to 3 days.
💬 Let’s Hear From You!
Have you made this Cajun Pasta recipe? Drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Got a spicy twist or a family variation? I’d love to hear it!
