Introduction
Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage is a vibrant, spicy, and creamy dish that blends tender shrimp, smoky sausage, and pasta in a flavorful Cajun-seasoned sauce. It’s a hearty Southern-inspired comfort meal that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Creamy, satisfying, and full of richness, it’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
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Origin and Cultural Significance
This dish is inspired by Cajun cuisine, which originates from the Acadian people who settled in Louisiana. Cajun cooking is known for:
Bold spices
Simple ingredients
One-pot meals
French, African, Caribbean, and Native American influences
Shrimp and sausage are staples in Louisiana cooking, and creamy Cajun pasta became popular in the 1980s–1990s as Southern chefs blended traditional Cajun seasoning with Italian-American cream sauces.
Today, Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage is loved nationwide for its fusion of spicy, smoky, creamy, and savory flavors.
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Ingredients (Quantity)
Protein & Pasta
Shrimp: 400 g (peeled and deveined)
Smoked sausage or Andouille sausage: 250 g, sliced
Pasta: 300 g (penne, fettuccine, or linguine)
Seasoning
Cajun seasoning: 1–2 tbsp
Paprika: 1 tsp
Salt & pepper: to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional): a pinch
Vegetables
Bell peppers: 2 (any color), sliced
Onion: 1 medium, sliced
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
Creamy Sauce
Heavy cream: 1 ½ cups (360 ml)
Chicken broth: 1 cup (240 ml)
Parmesan cheese (grated): ½ cup
Olive oil or butter: 2 tbsp
Garnish
Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
Extra Parmesan, optional
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Optional Additions
Spinach (1–2 cups stirred in at the end)
Sun-dried tomatoes
Mushrooms
Cajun seasoning + brown sugar mix for a sweet–spicy twist
Cream cheese for an extra-thick sauce
Lemon zest for brightness
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Tips for Success
Don’t overcook shrimp—they become rubbery quickly. Cook until just pink.
Brown the sausage well to bring out smoky flavor.
Let the sauce simmer gently—boiling can cause separation.
Taste the Cajun seasoning—some blends are saltier than others.
Finish with Parmesan to thicken and deepen the flavor.
Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness.
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Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
2. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
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2. Cook the Sausage
1. Heat 1 tbsp oil or butter in a pan.
2. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned.
3. Remove from pan and set aside.
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3. Cook the Shrimp
1. Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. In the same pan, add a little oil if needed.
3. Cook shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until pink.
4. Remove and set aside.
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4. Sauté the Vegetables
1. Add onion and bell peppers.
2. Cook until soft and slightly caramelized.
3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
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5. Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
1. Reduce heat to medium-low.
2. Add heavy cream, chicken broth, paprika, and more Cajun seasoning (to taste).
3. Stir and simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened.
4. Add Parmesan and stir until melted and creamy.
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6. Combine Everything
1. Add the cooked pasta, sausage, and shrimp to the sauce.
2. Toss well to coat, using pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.
3. Simmer 1–2 minutes so flavors blend.
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7. Serve
Top with chopped parsley, green onions, and extra Parmesan.
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Description
Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage is rich, creamy, and full of bold spice. The shrimp are tender and juicy, the sausage smoky and savory, and the pasta soaks up every drop of the velvety Cajun cream sauce. The peppers add sweetness and color, making every bite layered with warmth, flavor, and Southern comfort.
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Nutritional Information (Approx., per serving – 4 servings)
Calories: ~550–650
Protein: ~30–35 g
Carbohydrates: ~45–55 g
Fat: ~28–35 g
Fiber: ~3–4 g
Sugars: ~5–7 g
Varies depending on cream, sausage, and pasta type.
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Conclusion
Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage is a celebration of flavor—creamy, spicy, hearty, and deeply satisfying. It brings together iconic Cajun ingredients in a simple one-pan meal that feels both comforting and energetic.
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Recommendation
Serve with:
Garlic bread
A fresh green salad
Lemon wedges for brightness
It’s also fantastic for meal prep because the flavors intensify as it rests.
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Embracing Healthful Indulgence
This dish delivers comfort and richness, yet you can enjoy it in a balanced way by customizing it:
Swap in lighter cream or reduced-fat milk
Add more vegetables like spinach or mushrooms
Use whole-grain or protein pasta
It’s a joyful reminder that you can savor bold, comforting meals while still embracing balance and nourishment.
