Introduction
Imagine a cozy bowl of pasta that delivers bold Cajun flavors, smoky sausage, juicy shrimp, and a silky, creamy sauce. That’s exactly what you get with this Shrimp & Smoked Sausage Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce. It’s a quick weeknight dinner that feels like a gourmet restaurant dish—but made right in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Full of bold, spicy Cajun flavor
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Super creamy without being too heavy
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Loaded with shrimp and smoked sausage for protein
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Cooks up in 30 minutes
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Crowd-pleaser for both family and guests
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break down what you’ll need for this mouthwatering Cajun pasta.
Pasta
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8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta – Holds the sauce perfectly.
Proteins
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12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds – Adds a rich, smoky flavor.
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined – Brings a seafood flair and slight sweetness.
Seasonings & Sauces
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1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (divided) – For that signature Southern heat.
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness.
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4 cloves garlic, minced – Aromatic and essential.
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1 cup heavy cream – The base for your creamy sauce.
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½ cup chicken broth – Adds flavor and balances the richness.
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce for added depth.
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Salt and black pepper, to taste – Adjust to your liking.
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Optional: red pepper flakes – Kick up the heat if you dare.
Garnishes
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Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped – Adds a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Choosing the Right Pasta
Fettuccine or penne are ideal here. Fettuccine soaks up that creamy sauce with every twirl, while penne holds it in every tube. Can’t find either? Go for rigatoni, linguine, or even rotini.
Selecting the Perfect Shrimp
Look for large, peeled, and deveined shrimp. Tail-on or tail-off is up to you, but make sure they’re not overcooked—they should turn pink and curl slightly when done.
All About Smoked Sausage
Use fully-cooked smoked sausage like andouille or kielbasa. It delivers a punch of flavor and a satisfying chew that complements the tender shrimp beautifully.
Cajun Seasoning: The Flavor Bomb
What Is Cajun Seasoning?
It’s a bold blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, and black pepper. It’s earthy, spicy, and smoky—basically flavor fireworks.
How Much to Use
Start with 1 tablespoon total: half for seasoning the shrimp, and half for the sauce. Adjust based on your heat preference.
Creamy Cajun Sauce – The Star of the Dish
Ingredients Breakdown
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Butter for richness
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Garlic for aroma
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Heavy cream for creaminess
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Chicken broth for balance
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Parmesan cheese for savory umami
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Cajun seasoning for that kick
Tips for the Perfect Sauce
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Don’t boil the sauce; simmer gently.
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Stir constantly to avoid curdling.
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Add cheese off heat to prevent clumping.
Cooking Instructions Step-by-Step
Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
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Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Sausage
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
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Add sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes.
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Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
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Toss shrimp with ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning.
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In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter.
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Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink.
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Remove and set aside with sausage.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
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Add remaining butter to the skillet and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute.
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Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes.
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Add heavy cream and remaining Cajun seasoning.
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Stir and simmer gently for 5 minutes.
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Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
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Return sausage and shrimp to the skillet.
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Add cooked pasta.
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Toss to coat everything in the sauce.
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Simmer on low for 2–3 minutes.
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Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
Pro Tips for Best Results
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Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
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Cook pasta just to al dente so it doesn’t get mushy in the sauce.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp—it helps get that perfect sear.
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Let it sit for 2 minutes off heat before serving for flavors to meld.
Variations to Try
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Add bell peppers or mushrooms for a veggie boost.
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Swap shrimp with chicken if you’re not into seafood.
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Use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter version.
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Toss in spinach right before serving for added greens.
What to Serve with Cajun Pasta
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Garlic bread – The perfect sauce scoop.
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Side salad – Lightens up the richness.
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Roasted veggies – Think broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini.
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Sweet tea or white wine – Great sippers with spice.
Storage and Reheating Tips
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Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
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Avoid microwaving too long, or the shrimp can become rubbery.
Conclusion
Shrimp & Smoked Sausage Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce is one of those dishes that checks all the boxes: it’s rich, flavorful, quick to prepare, and absolutely satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or just indulging in a solo dinner, this recipe brings a taste of the South to your table with every creamy, spicy bite.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and let’s bring a little Cajun heat to your kitchen tonight!
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Cook everything except the pasta and combine just before serving to keep it fresh.
2. Is this dish very spicy?
It has a mild kick, but you can reduce the Cajun seasoning or skip the red pepper flakes if you’re sensitive to spice.
3. Can I freeze this pasta?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it. Cream sauces can separate, so reheat gently and stir well.
4. What’s the best sausage to use?
Andouille is traditional, but any smoked sausage like kielbasa works great.
5. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan—or try a dairy-free version.
Shrimp & Smoked Sausage Pasta with Creamy Cajun Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A rich and creamy Cajun pasta packed with juicy shrimp and smoky sausage—perfect for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish)
- Optional: red pepper flakes
Instructions
Cook pasta and set aside. Sauté sausage in olive oil, then cook shrimp with Cajun seasoning. Make a creamy sauce with butter, garlic, cream, broth, and cheese. Combine everything, season, and garnish before serving.
Notes
Adjust Cajun seasoning to control spice. Penne or fettuccine both work great. Add red pepper flakes for extra heat. Garnish with parsley or green onions for freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1/4 of total)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1050mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
Keywords: shrimp and sausage pasta, Cajun pasta, creamy Cajun sauce, smoked sausage recipe, shrimp pasta dinner
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