This recipe for Cajun shrimp and sausage pasta is sauteed shrimp and smoked sausage with colorful vegetables, all served over a creamy pasta. Dinner’s ready in less than 30 minutes with plenty of bold flavors!
Looking for something a little different for dinner tonight? This Cajun shrimp pasta is a must-try, it’s quick, flavorful and tastes like it came from a restaurant.
Pasta is always a hit at my house and this Cajun shrimp and sausage pasta is no exception. Fresh veggies, succulent shrimp and smoked sausage served over a creamy pasta – all of my favorite things! This pasta is super easy to make, and mild enough that the whole family can enjoy it.
How to make Cajun shrimp and sausage pasta
The first step in the process is to put up a pot of water to boil for the pasta. You can use any long pasta like linguine, fettuccine or spaghetti. While the pasta is boiling, it’s time to cook the meat abd veggies and make the creamy sauce.
I use a medium sized shrimp and a mild smoked sausage. Andouille sausage would be a more authentic choice but it tends to be a bit spicier which is not appreciated by my kids. After the pasta is cooked, it gets tossed in the super simple cream sauce then topped with the shrimp and sausage mixture along with some fresh parsley.
I went with both yellow and red bell peppers just because it looks prettier – you can use whatever bell pepper variety you prefer. Not all Cajun seasoning is made equal – some have a bit more heat than others. I started with a fairly conservative two teaspoons but you can most definitely add more if you prefer.
This Cajun shrimp pasta is absolutely perfect for a busy weeknight but it’s also impressive enough to serve for a special occasion. Add a loaf of bread and a side salad and you’ve got a feast!
This dish has quickly become part of our regular dinner rotation, in fact I’ve started keeping both shrimp and sausage in the freezer so that I can make it any time I want. It’s fast, filling, pretty to look at and a crowd pleaser – what more could you ask for?!
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More pasta recipes
- Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
- Caprese Pasta
- Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
- Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- Shrimp Pesto Pasta
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp you can either remove the tails or leave them on for a more elegant presentation, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons butter divided use
- 8 ounces smoked sausage such as andouille or kielbasa cut into slices
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning or more to taste
- 1/2 cup yellow onion minced
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers I used red and yellow
- 10 ounces linguine pasta other long pasta varieties will also work
- 1/3 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; add the pasta and cook according to package directions.
- While the pasta is cooking, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the onions and peppers and cook for 4-6 minutes or until softened. Season with 1 teaspoon of the Cajun seasoning.
- Add the sausage and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Season the shrimp with the remaining teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and add them to the pan, cooking for 2-3 minutes or until pink and opaque.
- Drain the pasta and return to the pot it cooked in. Turn the heat on medium high and add the cream and butter along with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until sauce has started to thicken. Stir in parmesan cheese.
- Place the shrimp and sausage mixture on top of the pasta and sprinkle with parsley. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
This post was originally published on March 29, 2016 and was updated January 14, 2018 with new content.
Our Family World says
One of the most difficult tasks as a wife and mom is to do menu planning. I am always on the look out for new recipes to try so I con’t bore my family with the same dishes over and over. Thanks for sharing your recipe for this Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta. It looks so delicious I am sure my family will love this.
Pam says
This looks delicious. I really like any dish involving pasta and shrimp, so this would be right up my alley.
Claudia krusch says
Love all the colors and flavor combinations! The shrimp looks sooo delicious! Can’t wait to try it!
Veronica Solomon says
Anything with shrimp is my favorite. Your recipe looks so yummy! I could totally enjoy a bowl
Amanda West says
Oh my gosh this looks amazing! I tried to make something similar in the instant pot, but it wasn’t this good. I need to try this soon
Rosey says
I like cajun food. This recipe sounds like a good one for the fam., especially my oldest boys who love shrimp.
Rachel Ferrucci says
This sounds and looks amazing! I love cajun and everything else in it. The best part is it’s so easy to make!
Theresa says
Growing up in the south, I have a huge love of Cajun cuisine. This looks looks like a hearty dish that’s packed with the flavors I love! Can’t wait to try this recipe!
Joyce brewer says
I love pasta with a delicious protein added to it. I’d have to make a separate shrimp-free portion for our son due to his allergies. Looks yummy and quick to make.
Kita Bryant says
Wow, this is an amazing recipe idea. I love this one for dinner!
Kelly Stilwell says
This looks delicious! Shrimp is my favorite food and I love cajun so I’ll be trying your recipe soon!
Tonia says
I’ve been having a lot of luck in the kitchen lately. I need to try this dish. It looks so delicious.
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
That dish is so colorful, and sounds super flavorful. My brother loves Cajun flavor, I bet he’d really enjoy this dish.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
That looks delicious. I’m a big fan of cajun food, and this is exactly the kind of thing I love to make for my family. I can’t wait to give this a try!
Kelly says
Loved it.
Debbie says
Everything here together looks so yummy!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
The colors and flavor combinations are wonderful! The shrimp looks out of the world delicious 🙂 Sharing!
Rahul @samosastreet.com says
All the flavors are balanced so perfectly. Sweet sausage with the spicy shrimp on my all time fav pasta, YUM !!!
Greg says
Love the dish! Shrimp and sausage pasta sounds great!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
I am such a fan of Cajun flavours, so this is right up my alley! I also love the combination of shrimp and sausage (and with pasta is even better 🙂 Lovely!