🥘 Why You’ll Love This Cajun Pasta
Spicy, creamy, cheesy, and smoky—all the best words wrapped into one dreamy dish! This Cajun Pasta was totally inspired by my recent trip to Louisiana, where every bite was bursting with bold flavors and Southern soul. I came back with a craving I had to recreate—and let me tell you, this pasta does not disappoint.
It’s rich and creamy, with juicy Cajun-spiced shrimp, smoky sausage, and a kick of heat that warms you from the inside out. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this one’s a serious crowd-pleaser. And bonus—it comes together in about 30 minutes!
✨ Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything that makes this dish so magical:
- Pasta – Use your fave short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or bowtie) for those saucy crevices!
- Shrimp – Peeled and deveined, seasoned with that signature Cajun blend.
- Cajun Sausage – Andouille works best, but any spicy smoked sausage will bring that Southern flair.
- Onions & Garlic – For that savory base.
- Heavy Cream – Gives the sauce its luscious, silky texture.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds richness and saltiness.
- Cajun Seasoning – Store-bought or homemade—bring on the heat!
- Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt & Pepper – Flavor layering is the secret to greatness.
- Fresh Parsley – Adds brightness at the end.
🔥 How To Make Cajun Pasta (Step-by-Step)
1. Boil the Pasta
Start by cooking ½ lb of pasta in well-salted boiling water until just al dente. Don’t forget to scoop out 1 cup of pasta water before draining—you’ll use it to bring the sauce together later!
💡 Tip: Salting the pasta water is your first chance to season the dish—don’t skip it!
2. Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet, melt 3 tbsp of butter with a splash of olive oil. Season ½ lb of shrimp with Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until they’re pink and slightly crisped, then remove and set aside.
3. Build the Base
In the same pan, toss in ½ a diced onion. Season with salt and pepper, and let it cook down for a few minutes. Add in 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for another couple of minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the Sausage
Slice up 3 Cajun sausage links (Andouille is 🔥), and add them to the pan. Let them brown slightly to release all that smoky goodness.
5. Make It Creamy
Pour in 1½ cups of heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Season the sauce with another dash of Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic/onion powder, salt, and pepper—layer those flavors, friends!
6. Finish the Sauce
Once the sauce is bubbly, stir in ¾ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add your cooked pasta and some reserved pasta water (start with ¼ cup) until the sauce is glossy and clings perfectly.
✨ Pro Tip: Add more pasta water as needed to loosen it up—it’s liquid gold!
7. Bring It All Together
Return the shrimp to the pan, sprinkle in some chopped parsley, and give everything a final toss. Let it all hang out together for a minute so the flavors marry.
Top with extra Parm and dive in!
🌶️ Customize It Your Way!
This Cajun Pasta is super flexible! Here are a few swaps and add-ins if you’re feeling creative:
- Chicken instead of shrimp – Go for boneless thighs for max flavor.
- Add veggies – Bell peppers or spinach work great here.
- Make it lighter – Sub half-and-half or coconut cream if you’re dairy-sensitive.
- More heat? – Add crushed red pepper or a splash of hot sauce!
❄️ How To Store & Reheat
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Add a splash of cream or broth and warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to revive that creamy texture.
🍷 What To Serve It With
Want to make it a full Southern feast? Here’s what I’d pair it with:
- Garlic Bread – Because… carbs on carbs = joy.
- Simple Side Salad – To balance out the richness.
- A glass of white wine – Like a buttery Chardonnay or a chilled Sauvignon Blanc.
💬 Final Thoughts
This Cajun Pasta recipe is everything I love about Southern comfort food—bold, indulgent, and made with heart. If you’re craving something rich and spicy with that signature Louisiana flair, this is your new go-to.
Let me know if you give it a try—tag me @KeiraRecipes on IG so I can see your beautiful bowls! 🥰