Spicy Cajun shrimp linguine pasta is wonderfully creamy loaded with shrimp & sausage and the perfect amount of spice that keeps you wanting more. This 30 Minute meal comes together quickly making it great for weeknights!
This delicious Cajun shrimp linguine pasta has become an instant favorite in our house! It’s easy to make with flavorful andouille sausage, shrimp, veggies and pasta with an incredible cajun seasoning blend. A complete meal on the table in just 30 minutes!
You will love how quick & easy this shrimp pasta recipe is to whip up, making it a perfect weeknight meal! Start the pasta in one pot and the sausage and shrimp cooking in a skillet, then add in and sauté the veggies. Next, add the tomato paste, seasoning, cream and parmesan cheese, and simmer until bubbly. Finish by stirring in the sausage, shrimp and pasta. It’s ready to enjoy with very little hassle, is a complete meal, and your whole family will love it!
Ingredients needed
This cajun shrimp pasta recipe is made with simple ingredients, yet it’s bursting with amazing Cajun flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Pasta: We like linguine in this recipe, but feel free to use any pasta variety you’d like.
- Olive oil: For cooking the sausage and shrimp.
- Andouille sausage: A smoked sausage commonly used in cajun cuisine.
- Shrimp: We recommend using large, raw shrimp. You will want to make sure it is peeled with the tails removed.
- Cajun seasoning: Use homemade cajun seasoning or store-bought to add big, bold flavor to the dish.
- Butter: For sautéing the vegetables and adding richness to the sauce.
- Veggies: A combination of bell pepper (any color) and onion adds lots of savory flavor and texture.
- Garlic: Adding garlic to any dish adds such a delicious taste!
- Tomato paste: Thickens the sauce while adding flavor.
- Heavy cream: Stirred in at the end of cooking with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to add major creaminess and richness.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds just enough cheesiness to really make this recipe something special!
- Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley to garnish the meal and add color.
How to make this recipe
Cajun shrimp pasta is a super easy dinner recipe that delivers ridiculously delicious results! Plus, clean up is a breeze. Here’s how everything comes together:
- Boil pasta: Cook pasta al-dente according to package directions (don’t forget to salt water!). Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- Cook the protein: While the pasta is boiling, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 1-2 minutes or until browned. Season the shrimp with cajun seasoning. Add to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes (be careful not to overcook shrimp). Remove the shrimp and sausage from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the vegetables: To the same pan, add the butter, onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 2-3 minutes or until onions and bell peppers are softened. Add the garlic and sauté 30 seconds then add in the tomato paste and cajun seasoning and sauté for another minute (if your seasoning does not include salt, add salt to taste).
- Simmer: Pour in the heavy cream, reserved pasta water, and parmesan cheese. Taste the sauce and add salt to taste, if needed. Simmer until bubbly then add the cooked drained pasta to the pan and stir to coat. Return the shrimp and sausage to the pan and stir to combine. Serve immediately!
Expert tips
- For convenience, buy shrimp that is already peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen shrimp will work, if you are going to use frozen shrimp, thaw it by placing it in a bowl of cool water for a few minutes.
- You could change it up and use chicken instead of shrimp, however keep in mind the chicken will take longer to cook.
- If you don’t have fresh garlic cloves on hand, you can use minced garlic from your fridge, 1/2 tsp equals about 1 clove of garlic.
- Salt the pasta water. To season the pasta, be sure to add about 1 tablespoon of salt to the cooking water.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cajun pasta made of?
Typically, cajun pasta will include some type of protein like shrimp, sausage or chicken. It’s also often made with bell pepper, onion and garlic along with a creamy tomato-based sauce.
How do you keep shrimp pasta from drying out?
In this recipe, we’re keeping the pasta creamy by adding heavy cream and reserved pasta water. When reheating leftovers, you will want to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the pasta back up and keep it from being dry.
Why do restaurants leave tails on shrimp in pasta?
Leaving the tails on shrimp in pasta dishes can make it easier to handle the shrimp while cooking and eating, and it is also done for presentation. We prefer to remove the tails for this recipe, so you don’t have to worry about handling the shrimp in your plated dish.
Serving suggestions
With plenty of protein, carbs and veggies, this cajun shrimp pasta is great on it’s own. However, it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes! Here’s some options:
- Mix up a simple salad with fresh greens, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, croutons and a dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Crusty bread
- Air fryer garlic bread
- Roasted broccoli
- Air fryer brussels sprouts
Storing leftovers
This meal is best served fresh for the best texture. However, leftovers can be stored and enjoyed for a few days after cooking.
- To store: Place leftovers in an airtight container, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To reheat: Rewarm servings in 30 second intervals in the microwave until warmed through. It may be necessary to add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the pasta and keep it from being overly dry.
More delicious pasta recipes
- Chicken Pesto Pasta
- Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
- Cheeseburger Pasta
- Creamy Spinach Mushroom Pasta Bake
Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine, or pasta of choice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 13 oz Cajun Style Andouille Sausage, cut into rounds
- 1 lb raw shrimp, large, peeled and tails removed
- 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning for shrimp
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup onion, minced
- ½ cup bell pepper, minced or sliced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, shredded or grated
- 1 tbsp parsley, freshly chopped
Instructions
- Cook pasta al-dente according to package direction (don’t forget to salt water!). Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- While the pasta is boiling, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 1-2 minutes or until browned. Season the shrimp with cajun seasoning. Add to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes (be careful not to overcook shrimp). Remove the shrimp and sausage from the pan and set aside.
- To the same pan, add the butter, onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 2-3 minutes or until onions and bell peppers are softened. Add the garlic and sauté 30 seconds then add in the tomato paste and cajun seasoning and sauté for another minute (if your seasoning does not include salt, add salt to taste).
- Pour in the heavy cream, reserved pasta water, and parmesan cheese. Taste the sauce and add salt to taste, if needed. Simmer until bubbly then add the cooked drained pasta to the pan and stir to coat. Return the shrimp and sausage to the pan and stir to combine. Serve immediately!
Notes
- To store: Place leftovers in an airtight container, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To reheat: Rewarm servings in 30 second intervals in the microwave until warmed through. It may be necessary to add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the pasta and keep it from being overly dry.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
