Okay y’all, let me just say—after a whirlwind trip through the vibrant streets of New Orleans and the cozy corners of Baton Rouge, I came back absolutely OBSESSED with Cajun food. The spice, the richness, the flavor bombs in every bite? YES PLEASE. So naturally, the first thing I whipped up when I got home was this Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta—and let me tell you, it does not disappoint!
Whether you’re looking to bring the soul of the South into your kitchen or just want a hearty, comforting dinner with a kick, this one’s for you. Let’s dive in, spice first!
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Pasta ❤️
- Spicy, creamy, and smoky all at once
- Perfectly balanced with shrimp and sausage
- Comes together in about 30 minutes!
- Tastes like a warm Louisiana hug 🍤🔥
Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒
You don’t need to book a flight to the South—just grab these simple ingredients:
Pasta & Protein
- ½ lb pasta – I used fettuccine, but penne or rigatoni would also be fab
- ½ lb shrimp – peeled and deveined
- 3 links Cajun sausage – sliced (andouille is chef’s kiss)
The Cajun Flavor Base
- 3 tbsp butter + a drizzle of olive oil
- ½ onion – diced
- 3 cloves garlic – minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan – for creamy, cheesy goodness
- Salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika – to build that classic Cajun spice
Finishing Touches
- Reserved pasta water – about 1 cup, for loosening the sauce
- Chopped parsley – for freshness and color
- Extra Parmesan – because why not?
Step-by-Step Instructions 🥄
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until just al dente. Don’t forget to scoop out about 1 cup of that starchy pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold for your sauce!
2. Sauté the Shrimp
In a large pan, melt butter with a splash of olive oil. Season your shrimp generously with Cajun seasoning, garlic/onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook them for a couple of minutes on each side until pink and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—shrimp need space to get that nice sear!
3. Sauté the Aromatics
Add your diced onion to the same pan (no need to clean it—we want all that flavor). Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper and cook until translucent. Then toss in the garlic and cook for another minute or two until fragrant.
4. Brown the Sausage
Add the Cajun sausage to the pan and let it get some color. You want those crispy browned edges—hello, flavor!
5. Make It Creamy
Pour in the heavy cream and bring the whole thing to a simmer. Season again with Cajun spice, a dash more paprika, and a little salt and pepper to taste. Let the cream thicken slightly—just enough to coat a spoon.
6. Bring It All Together
Add the Parmesan and stir until melted into the sauce. Toss in your cooked pasta, a splash of pasta water, and the shrimp. Mix everything together until silky and saucy. If it feels too thick, add more pasta water until it’s just right.
7. Garnish & Serve
Finish with a shower of chopped parsley and even more Parmesan on top. Serve immediately, and maybe grab a glass of sweet tea or a cold beer while you’re at it. 😉
FAQs & Pro Tips 💡
What kind of Cajun seasoning should I use?
You can use store-bought (Tony Chachere’s is classic!), or make your own blend with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and a bit of salt.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan version. It’ll still be deliciously creamy with that Cajun kick.
Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
Yes yes yes! Blackened chicken thighs or breasts would be amazing here. Or go fully veg with mushrooms and roasted red peppers.
How spicy is it?
Totally customizable! Use more or less Cajun seasoning depending on your spice tolerance. Add a pinch of cayenne if you’re really feelin’ the heat.
Storage & Reheating 🍽️
This pasta is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of cream or water to loosen it up.
Final Thoughts – Let the Good Times Roll! 🎉
This Creamy Cajun Pasta is truly a celebration in a bowl—bold, creamy, spicy, and comforting all at once. It’s inspired by the unforgettable flavors of Louisiana, and now it’s ready to bring that Southern soul right to your dinner table.
Whether you’re serving it up for a weeknight dinner or cooking for guests, this pasta is guaranteed to impress. So go ahead, pour yourself something cold, and let the good times (and good food) roll!
📌 Don’t forget to pin this recipe or share it with a friend who LOVES a little heat! Got questions or made it your own way? Drop a comment—I love hearing from y’all! 💬