Hey foodies! 🧄🍤
You know those nights when you’re craving something cozy, a little spicy, and just downright satisfying? Well, say hello to your new go-to: Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage! This dish has it all—tender shrimp, smoky Cajun sausage, rich and creamy sauce, and perfectly al dente pasta. And guess what? It comes together in under 30 minutes. 🙌
This is one of those recipes that makes you feel like a rockstar in the kitchen without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re cooking for your fam, your boo, or just yourself (because you totally deserve a treat), this pasta is IT. Let’s dive into the spicy, creamy goodness, shall we?
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this easy Cajun Shrimp Pasta:
- 1/2 lb pasta (I used @enjoybrami, but feel free to sub with your fave!)
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 dash olive oil
- 3 links Cajun sausage, sliced
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder to taste
💡 Pro Tip: Use a Cajun seasoning blend you love—some are saltier or spicier than others, so taste as you go!
👩🍳 Step-by-Step: How to Make Cajun Shrimp Pasta
1. Cook Your Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta in well-salted water until it’s perfectly al dente. Save about a cup of pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold for your sauce!
2. Sauté the Shrimp
Heat up a large pan with 3 tablespoons of butter and a splash of olive oil. Season your shrimp generously with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sear them for a few minutes per side until pink and slightly crisp, then remove from the pan and set aside.
🦐 Shrimp cook super fast—don’t walk away! Overcooked shrimp = rubbery sadness.
3. Sauté the Onion & Garlic
In that same flavor-packed pan, add your diced onion. Cook for about 3–4 minutes with a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss in the garlic and cook another minute or so, until fragrant.
4. Add the Cajun Sausage
Time to bring in the heat! Add your sliced Cajun sausage and let it sizzle until it’s just browned and full of flavor. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing right about now.
5. Make the Cream Sauce
Pour in 1.5 cups of heavy cream and stir well to deglaze the pan (aka soak up all those tasty brown bits). Let it simmer gently and season again with more Cajun spices, salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. This is your chance to build flavor—taste and adjust!
6. Finish It Off
Lower the heat and stir in your Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add in the cooked pasta, shrimp, and a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen up the sauce if needed. Mix everything together and top with parsley and extra Parmesan.
🧡 Why You’ll Love This Cajun Shrimp Pasta
- Quick & easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Packed with flavor – Smoky, spicy, creamy… it’s the whole vibe.
- Customizable – Swap sausage for chicken, lighten the cream, or toss in veggies.
- Perfect leftovers – If you even have any!
🍽 Tips & Variations
✨ Make it lighter – Sub half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter sauce.
✨ Make it spicy – Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
✨ Add veggies – Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms work beautifully.
✨ Go low-carb – Serve the creamy shrimp and sausage over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
💬 Reader Love
“I made this for my boyfriend and he literally licked the plate. That sauce is unreal!” – Jenna, Tampa, FL
“Tastes like something you’d get at a fancy restaurant but so easy to make!” – Luis, Austin, TX
📦 Storage & Reheating
Got leftovers? Lucky you!
- Store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm it gently on the stove with a splash of milk or pasta water to rehydrate the sauce.
🥂 What to Serve With Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Pair this creamy delight with:
- A crisp green salad (balance out the richness!)
- Garlic bread (because carbs are life)
- A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling mocktail
📌 Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta isn’t just dinner—it’s an experience. The combo of creamy sauce, spicy shrimp, and smoky sausage is absolute comfort food heaven. And the best part? You don’t need to be a pro chef to pull it off.
So next time you need a weeknight dinner that feels like a treat, you know what to make. Let me know in the comments if you try it, and don’t forget to tag @keirarecipes on Instagram—I love seeing your kitchen creations! 💕
Ready to spice up your weeknight dinner game? Give this Cajun Shrimp Pasta a try—you won’t regret it!