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A close-up shot of a creamy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta dish in a bowl, garnished with fresh parsley and grated cheese.
Layla

Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta

This vibrant and flavorful Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta brings the taste of Louisiana right to your kitchen, featuring perfectly cooked shrimp and smoky sausage tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce with tender pasta. It's a satisfying and comforting meal perfect for any night of the week.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 750

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz linguine or fettuccine, dry
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for tossing pasta
  • 1 tsp salt for pasta water
For the Shrimp & Sausage
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking sausage
  • 1 lb Andouille sausage sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined, tails on or off
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning divided (or more to taste)
For the Creamy Cajun Sauce
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 large yellow onion finely diced
  • 1 red bell pepper finely diced
  • 2 celery stalks finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth low sodium
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for garnish
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Pinch cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Whisk
  • Tongs

Method
 

Prepare the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drizzle the cooked pasta with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
Cook the Sausage and Shrimp
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced Andouille sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and slightly crispy. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  2. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, sprinkle with 1/2 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Do not overcook. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside with the sausage.
Sauté the Vegetables and Make the Sauce
  1. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and celery (the "holy trinity"). Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables have softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
Combine and Serve
  1. Add the cooked sausage, shrimp, and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat. Stir in the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt, black pepper, and an optional pinch of cayenne pepper to taste.
  2. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra heat, add more cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the finished pasta.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce is too thick.
Don't overcook the shrimp; they cook very quickly and can become rubbery if left on the heat too long.