Full of flavor and packed with personality, this Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta is a must-make! Loaded with tender shrimp, smoky andouille sausage, sweet bell peppers, and the most delicious creamy Cajun-inspired sauce, this pasta dish is one your guests will be raving about. It's bold, comforting, and comes together beautifully, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
My oldest has been asking for the leftovers two days in a row. And trust me, that's saying something! He loves the creamy sauce, which honestly might be my favorite part, too. It's rich, flavorful, and unlike some cream-based pastas, this one reheats like a dream. Bonus points for being just as tasty the next day!
My Latest Videos
Inspired by traditional Cajun cuisine, this pasta includes the "holy trinity" of onions, bell peppers, and celery. It's also loaded with Cajun staples like shrimp and andouille sausage for that signature flavor.
Use your favorite Cajun seasoning, whether it's Slap Ya Mama, Tony Chachere's, or your own homemade blend. Add as much or as little as you like to fit your heat level.
How To Make Cajun Shrimp And Sausage Pasta
STEP 1
In a large skillet brown the sausage, working in batches if needed. Remove from the pan and set aside. Add the oil and butter, cook the shrimp, set aside until needed.
STEP 2
In the same pan sauté the onions, celery and bell peppers until softened. Add in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
STEP 3
Pour the chicken stock into the same pan, scraping the bottom to remove the brown bits. Turn the heat up to bring the chicken stock to a boil, add in the pasta, cover with a lid, reduce to a simmer and cook for 8 minutes.
STEP 4
Remove the lid from the pan, add in the cream cheese, stirring to melt the cheese. Turn the heat up to medium low. Now pour in the milk, heavy cream and diced tomatoes. Simmer, stirring to prevent scorching.
STEP 5
Once the sauce has thickened to sauce consistency and the pasta is fully cooked, add in the shrimp and sausage. Enjoy!
💭 Quick Tip
Cook your pasta in chicken stock instead of water. Just like when I make rice, using stock infuses the pasta with even more savory depth. It's one of those small steps that makes a big difference in the final dish. But don't worry, if you don't have any on hand, water will still work just fine.
Reheating Tip
Reheat on low on the stove. Stirring frequently to prevent burning. To reheat in the microwave, cover with a damp paper towel, heat for 30 seconds, stir then heat again if needed.
More Delicious Recipes
Tried This Recipe?
Leave a review below, I would love to hear how it turned out! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube to stay connected!
📖 Recipe
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 14 ounces andouille sausage thinly sliced
- ½ pound shrimp (any size) peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ¾ teaspoon pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2-3 teaspoons cajun seasoning your favorite kind
- 1 cup onion small diced
- ½ cup celery small diced
- ¾ cup green bell pepper small diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken stock
- 10 ounces penne pasta
- 3 ounces cream cheese softened
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes drained
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry then add to a small bowl, season with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Mix until fully combined, set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Begin browning the sausage, working in batches if needed. Set aside until needed.
- To the same pan add in 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the shrimp to the pan, cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Now add the diced onion, bell pepper and celery to the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes or until tender. Add in the minced garlic and continue cooking for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Increase the heat to high and bring it to a boil. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, remaining paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and pasta. Cover with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 8 minutes. This pasta will not be done at this point.
- Remove the lid, add in the cream cheese. As the cream cheese melts, stir to prevent burning. Once all of the cream cheese is melted, turn the heat to medium and add in the heavy cream, milk and diced tomatoes.
- Bring to a simmer, stirring regularly to prevent scorching. Once the pasta is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened stir in the sausage and shrimp. Enjoy!
Anonymous says
I made this for dinner tonight. It was a huge hit!
Sky Pilgreen says
I am so glad to hear that!
Janie says
This was definitely a delicious dinner. The cajun flavor with the shrimp and sausage over the pasta was on point! I'm ready for another plate.
Sky Pilgreen says
Thank you, Janie! I am so glad that you enjoyed it!
Donalyn says
Oh my gosh - the flavors in this are so satisfying and delicious. I will definitely make it again!
Tayler says
I made this pasta for dinner last night and it was fantastic! The perfect amount of creamy and spice!
Dana says
LOVE this pasta dish! It's so big on flavor and it's so so comforting. The shrimp and the sausage are a killer combo. Thanks for a keeper!