If you love bold flavors, creamy sauces, and hearty meals, this Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Andouille Sausage will hit the spot. This dish marries the spicy, smoky notes of Louisiana-style Cajun seasoning with the richness of a cream-based sauce, tender pasta, and a delightful mix of shrimp and sausage. It’s the perfect weeknight comfort meal with restaurant-quality flair.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving something indulgent, this one-pot wonder delivers on taste, texture, and ease. Let’s walk through how to bring this mouthwatering Southern favorite to life in your kitchen.
Ingredients
Proteins and Seasonings
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
- 12 ounces andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1–2 tablespoons Cajun or Creole seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
Vegetables and Aromatics
- ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1–2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
Sauce Ingredients
- ½ cup crushed tomatoes
- ¾ cup chicken broth (plus more as needed)
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ to ½ cup dry white wine (optional but adds depth)
Pasta and Garnish
- 12 ounces fettuccine or farfalle (bowtie pasta)
- Olive oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Preparing the Cajun Shrimp
Season and Cook the Shrimp
In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with 1–2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Coat evenly so every shrimp gets that smoky-spicy flavor.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle with olive oil. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes until they start to curl and turn pink. Flip them and cook for another minute or so until fully opaque.
Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside on a plate. Avoid overcooking — the residual heat will keep them warm.
Cooking the Sausage
Add a little more olive oil to the same pan. Add the andouille sausage slices and sauté for 4–5 minutes until they’re browned and caramelized. This adds a rich, smoky flavor to the base of the dish.
Transfer the sausage to the plate with the shrimp and set aside.
Cooking the Pasta
While the sausage browns, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente — about one minute less than the package suggests. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
Building the Cajun Cream Sauce
Sauté Aromatics and Spices
Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add a fresh drizzle of olive oil, then toss in the sliced onion and bell pepper. Add the thyme, smoked paprika, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and a good pinch of salt.
Sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently and scraping up browned bits from the pan. This step builds the flavorful base for your sauce.
Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant — careful not to burn it.
Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir and scrape the pan to deglaze, lifting up all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Bring the mixture to a low simmer for 2–3 minutes.
If using wine, now is a good time to add it (¼ to ½ cup). Let it simmer for another couple minutes to cook off the alcohol and deepen the flavor.
Finish with Cream
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to fully incorporate. Let the sauce gently simmer until slightly thickened and velvety.
Combining Everything
Bring It All Together
Add the drained pasta and the cooked sausage back into the sauce. Toss everything well to combine and let it heat through for 2–3 minutes.
If the sauce is too thick or dry, stir in additional chicken broth or cream (start with ¼ cup of each) until you reach your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Add the Shrimp
Return the shrimp to the skillet, either stirring it into the pasta or placing it on top for presentation. Let them warm through briefly without overcooking.
Finishing Touches
Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the top and garnish with chopped parsley. For an extra kick, add a dash of cayenne or a few chili flakes.
Serve immediately while it’s hot and creamy.
Tips for Perfect Cajun Shrimp Pasta
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: They only need a couple minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery fast.
- Use quality Cajun seasoning: Store-bought blends vary widely in heat and saltiness. Start small and adjust to taste.
- Deglaze properly: Don’t skip scraping the pan — those browned bits are full of flavor.
- Control the creaminess: Adjust the sauce thickness with cream, broth, or pasta water to reach your perfect texture.
- Spice to your preference: Want more heat? Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to turn up the spice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! While andouille is traditional for Cajun recipes, you can substitute with kielbasa, chorizo, or smoked sausage if preferred.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can use whole milk or half-and-half, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Heavy cream gives the best texture.
What pasta works best?
Fettuccine and farfalle are great choices, but penne, linguine, or rigatoni also work well. Use whatever you have on hand.
Is the wine necessary?
No, it’s optional. White wine adds depth and a subtle acidity, but you can leave it out or substitute with more broth.
Can I make this dish in advance?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat gently and add shrimp and pasta just before serving.
Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings)
- Calories: 550–650 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900–1100mg
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Bold Cajun flavor: Smoky, spicy, and layered with depth
- One-pan simplicity: Easy cleanup, all the flavor
- Perfect texture: Tender shrimp, creamy sauce, hearty pasta
- Versatile: Add vegetables, swap proteins, or make it gluten-free with alternative pasta
- Elegant but easy: Impress guests or treat yourself with minimal effort
Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Andouille Sausage is a celebration of Southern comfort and spice. With bold seasonings, a luscious sauce, and satisfying textures, this dish is everything you want in a hearty pasta meal. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad and enjoy a plate full of warmth and flavor.