Creamy Cajun Pasta is a tasty dish full of bold flavors. It has shrimp, spicy sausage, and a creamy cheese sauce. You can also use chicken or just vegetables if you like. This recipe is easy to change to fit your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Pasta
You’ll find this dish irresistible for many reasons. First, the seasoning blend is vibrant and aromatic, delivering a punch without overpowering the ingredients. The smoked paprika and cayenne bring that authentic Cajun heat, while oregano and garlic powder add depth and earthiness. Second, the cream sauce ties everything together in a silky finish that feels indulgent but not heavy.
This recipe is also flexible. You can swap out the shrimp for chicken or keep it vegetarian by loading up on the peppers and onions. It’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for busy weeknights or weekend dinners with friends. Plus, it comes together quickly, so you won’t spend hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this flavorful pasta, you’ll need a handful of key ingredients that combine for that signature Cajun taste.
- Smoked paprika (1 tablespoon)
- Garlic powder (1 tablespoon)
- Oregano (1 tablespoon)
- Onion powder (1/2 tablespoon)
- Kosher salt (1/2 tablespoon)
- Coarse ground black pepper (1/2 tablespoon)
- Cayenne pepper (1 teaspoon)
- Raw peeled and deveined shrimp, about 1.5 pounds (preferably large size like 16/20 count)
- Cooking oil (for sautéing)
- Butter (a little to enrich the sauce)
- Fully cooked andouille sausage, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds (1 pound)
- Diced green pepper (3/4 cup)
- Diced red pepper (3/4 cup)
- Diced red onion (3/4 cup)
- Garlic paste or minced garlic (1 tablespoon)
- Chipotle chili paste or tomato paste (1 tablespoon)
- Heavy cream (1 cup)
- Parmesan cheese, grated or shredded (1/3 to 1/2 cup)
- Your favorite cooked pasta, about 16 ounces (rigatoni works great)
How to Make Creamy Cajun Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions. Once done, drain it well and set it aside. This ensures it’s ready to absorb the creamy sauce later.
Mix all your spices in a bowl — smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. This blend will give your shrimp and sausage that authentic Cajun kick.
Next, toss your shrimp in a large bowl with a tablespoon of oil and a couple of tablespoons of the seasoning mix. Make sure every piece is well coated.
Heat a large pan over medium-high heat, add about 1.5 tablespoons of oil, and once it’s nearly smoking, add the shrimp. Cook for just a few minutes until both sides are done, then remove and set aside. You want the shrimp tender and juicy, not overcooked.
Add a little more oil to the pan and sauté the sausage rounds. Let them soak up the leftover seasoning and flavor for a couple of minutes, then remove and place them with the shrimp.
Now, add another splash of oil, then toss in your diced green and red peppers along with the red onion. Stir often and cook until softened, about three minutes. Stir in the garlic paste and chipotle or tomato paste, cooking for about a minute until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir it all together. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, mixing continuously until it melts and the sauce thickens. Return the shrimp and sausage to the pan.
Finally, add your cooked pasta to the sauce. Stir everything until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the creamy, spicy mixture. You’ll see the sauce cling beautifully to each piece, making every bite flavorful.
How to Serve Your Creamy Cajun Pasta
Serve this pasta hot, right from the pan for the best experience. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A slice of crusty bread can help soak up any extra sauce on the plate.
For a fresh finish, sprinkle some chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice on top. The bright touch cuts through the richness of the sauce and adds a pop of color.
This dish also works well as leftovers — simply reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce thickens too much.
Expert Tips for Perfect Creamy Cajun Pasta
To make your Cajun pasta shine, start with quality shrimp — large, fresh, or properly thawed frozen ones work best. Overcooking shrimp can turn them rubbery, so keep a close eye while cooking.
When selecting sausage, fully cooked andouille adds smoky depth, but feel free to experiment with other spicy sausages if you like.
The cream sauce can be easily adjusted. If you want a lighter option, swap some of the heavy cream with milk or a non-dairy alternative. Just remember that this will change the richness.
Don’t rush the cooking of peppers and onions — letting them soften properly helps develop sweetness that balances the spice.
Finally, seasoning is key. Taste your sauce before adding the pasta and adjust salt or pepper if needed.
How to Store Creamy Cajun Pasta
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The pasta will keep well for up to three days.
When reheating, do it gently over low heat to avoid drying out the shrimp or sauce. Adding a splash of cream or milk helps restore the creamy texture.
Avoid freezing if possible, as the cream sauce may separate and change texture after thawing.
Variations to Make This Recipe Your Own
This recipe invites creativity. If you prefer chicken, substitute the shrimp and sausage with diced cooked chicken breast or thighs for a leaner protein.
For a vegetarian twist, skip the meat entirely and double up on the peppers and onions or add mushrooms for extra umami flavor.
You can also experiment with different pasta shapes — penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti can work depending on your preference.
Adjust the spice level by adding more cayenne or chipotle paste for extra heat, or tone it down by reducing these ingredients.
Want a lighter sauce? Use half cream and half broth for a less rich but still flavorful dish.
Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Cajun Pasta
What can I use instead of andouille sausage?
If you don’t have andouille sausage, spicy smoked sausages, or kielbasa, make a good substitute. Chicken sausage with Cajun seasoning also works well.
Can I make this dish without shrimp?
Absolutely. You can swap shrimp for chicken, tofu, or keep it vegetarian by just using the veggies.
How spicy is this recipe?
It has a moderate spice level thanks to the cayenne and chipotle paste, but you can adjust the heat to your taste by changing these amounts.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare most parts ahead and combine them when ready to serve. Just be mindful that shrimp cooks quickly and is best added fresh.
What pasta works best for Creamy Cajun Pasta?
Medium-sized tubular pastas like rigatoni or penne hold the sauce well, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.
Creamy Cajun Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1/2 tablespoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1.5 pounds raw peeled and deveined shrimp (preferably large size like 16/20 count)
- Cooking oil (for sautéing)
- Butter (a little to enrich the sauce)
- 1 pound fully cooked andouille sausage (sliced into 1/4 inch rounds)
- 3/4 cup diced green pepper
- 3/4 cup diced red pepper
- 3/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste or minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon chipotle chili paste or tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated or shredded)
- 16 ounces your favorite cooked pasta (rigatoni works great)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Toss shrimp in oil and seasoning mix until well coated.
- Heat 1.5 tablespoons of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for a few minutes until done. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add more oil and sauté sausage rounds for a couple of minutes. Remove and set aside with shrimp.
- Add more oil, then toss in green and red peppers and red onion. Cook until softened, then stir in garlic paste and chipotle or tomato paste.
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring. Gradually add Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and sauce thickens. Return shrimp and sausage to the pan.
- Add cooked pasta, stirring until thoroughly coated with sauce.
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