Rich, comforting, and packed with bold flavors, this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is the ultimate dinner recipe for those who love a little kick in their meals. Featuring tender jumbo shrimp, smoky andouille sausage, and a creamy Cajun-spiced sauce that clings to every bite of fettuccine or penne, this dish brings a restaurant-quality experience straight to your kitchen. The combination of garlic, shallots, and Parmesan delivers depth, while the heat from the Cajun seasoning keeps your tastebuds entertained.

This recipe is a perfect balance of indulgent and spicy, creamy and hearty. The shrimp cook quickly, making this a surprisingly fast dish to prepare, even for a weeknight. You don’t need to be an expert in Cajun cooking to nail this recipe, and the flexibility in ingredients—like switching between penne and fettuccine or adjusting the spice level—makes it accessible for all types of home cooks. Whether you’re planning a date night dinner, cooking for guests, or simply indulging in a solo pasta craving, Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta delivers on all fronts. Pair it with a crisp green salad or crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a go-to favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold Cajun Flavor

The homemade or store-bought Cajun seasoning gives the dish a spicy, smoky kick that enhances every bite.

Creamy, Comforting Texture

Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese come together for a velvety sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.

Quick and Easy to Make

Despite its gourmet feel, this pasta dish comes together quickly, making it suitable for weeknight dinners.

Perfect Protein Combo

The combination of andouille sausage and jumbo shrimp adds layers of flavor and satisfying protein.

Customizable for Any Diet

You can easily adjust spice levels, swap out pasta types, or use dairy-free cream alternatives.

Ingredients

Shallot or yellow onion
Garlic
Fresh parsley
Parmesan cheese
Andouille sausage
Jumbo shrimp
Cajun seasoning
Fettuccine or penne pasta
Neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
Heavy cream
Kosher salt

Variations

Swap the Protein

Use chicken or tofu instead of shrimp for a different take on the dish.

Make It Vegetarian

Omit the sausage and shrimp and add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers.

Use a Different Pasta

Farfalle, linguine, or even spaghetti work well if you don’t have fettuccine or penne on hand.

Adjust the Spice

Make it milder by using less Cajun seasoning or spicier by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

Lighten It Up

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or a dairy-free cream substitute for a lighter version.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Prep your ingredients: finely chop the shallot or onion, mince the garlic, chop parsley, grate Parmesan, and slice the andouille sausage.

Step 2

Boil water in a large pot and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage slices and cook until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Sauté shallots and garlic until fragrant and translucent.

Step 5

Add shrimp to the pan, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, and cook until just pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with the sausage.

Step 6

Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in grated Parmesan and allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 7

Return the shrimp and sausage to the skillet, and stir to coat in the creamy sauce.

Step 8

Add cooked pasta and toss everything together until well combined. Season with salt to taste.

Step 9

Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
Don’t overcook the shrimp—they only need 2–3 minutes per side.
Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Taste and adjust Cajun seasoning as needed based on spice preference.
Let the dish rest for a couple of minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

How to Serve

Serve Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta hot and fresh, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan. Pair it with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. A chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, complements the creaminess and spice beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken, so add a splash of milk or cream when reheating.

Freezing

It’s best to freeze the sauce and pasta separately if possible. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a bit of cream or milk to bring back the sauce’s creamy consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

2. What can I substitute for andouille sausage?

Kielbasa or smoked sausage are good alternatives.

3. Is this recipe very spicy?

It can be; adjust Cajun seasoning to your heat tolerance.

4. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, but the sauce will be less rich and may not thicken as well.

5. What type of pasta works best?

Fettuccine and penne hold the sauce well, but other varieties like linguine or rotini also work.

6. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free cream and omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

7. Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Cajun seasoning and sausage are gluten-free.

8. Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, but store components separately for best results when reheating.

9. How can I make it more saucy?

Add a bit of reserved pasta water or extra cream when combining everything.

10. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but add them at the very end just to warm through to avoid overcooking.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a crowd-pleasing dish full of bold flavor, creamy richness, and satisfying textures. With easy prep, flexible ingredients, and an indulgent taste, it’s perfect for any occasion—from quick dinners to special meals. Once you try it, this recipe will surely earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation.