This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage dish is a fun mix of juicy shrimp and savory sausage in a rich, creamy sauce. The Cajun spices add a delightful kick that makes it extra special!
It’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home. Whenever I make it, I can’t help but laugh as I try not to splash the sauce everywhere while stirring! 😂 Serve it over rice or pasta, and you’re in for a treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well. If you can’t find shrimp, cooked chicken or even a mix of veggies can be a tasty alternative for a comforting dish.
Sausage: Andouille sausage adds a nice kick. If it’s hard to find, any smoked sausage or kielbasa can be a good substitute. For a lighter version, turkey sausage works too!
Bell Pepper: Red bell peppers add sweetness and color. Feel free to swap with green peppers for a more bitter flavor, or use zucchini or mushrooms for a different texture.
Cajun Seasoning: This is key for flavor. In a pinch, mix paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper to create your blend. You can adjust the spice level to your liking!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Just know it may slightly change the flavor profile!
How to Make Sure Your Shrimp is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky since they cook quickly! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with shrimp that are peeled and deveined, which saves time.
- Cook shrimp for just 1-2 minutes on each side over medium-high heat until they turn pink. Overcooking makes them tough!
- Remove them right when they’re done to prevent carry-over cooking.
What’s the Best Way to Thicken the Sauce?
For a creamy sauce that won’t separate, follow these tips:
- Keep the heat low after adding the cream. This helps it blend in smoothly without simmering away.
- Let the sauce thicken a bit by simmering it for about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking to the pan.
- If you want it thicker, adding a bit of cornstarch mixed in cold water can work wonders!
Enjoy your cooking adventure with this delicious Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage dish!
How to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage
Ingredients
For the Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz (225g) andouille sausage or smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 4 oz (115g) angel hair pasta or any thin pasta (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Time Needed
This dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick and delicious meal ready in just 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta (if using):
If you’re adding pasta, prepare it according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside. This will save time later as the sauce cooks!
2. Sauté the Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Toss in the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside for later.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
In the same skillet, add the shrimp and sprinkle with half of the Cajun seasoning. Cook the shrimp for about 1-2 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside with the sausage.
4. Sauté Garlic and Onions:
Add the minced garlic and chopped onion (if using) to the skillet. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they become softened and fragrant, bringing extra flavor to the dish.
5. Cook the Bell Peppers:
Next, add the thinly sliced red bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing them to become slightly tender.
6. Add Cajun Seasoning and Paprika:
Stir in the rest of the Cajun seasoning and the smoked paprika. Mix well to combine the flavors.
7. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Make sure to scrape any delicious bits from the bottom of the pan to add depth to your sauce!
8. Add the Cream:
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly for about 3-5 minutes while stirring occasionally. The result should be a creamy, rich sauce.
9. Combine Everything:
Return the sausage and shrimp back into the skillet. Stir everything together so that the shrimp and sausage are well coated with the creamy sauce.
10. Toss in the Pasta (if using):
If you decided to use pasta, gently toss it into the sauce until it’s well combined and heated through, making sure every bite is full of flavor!
11. Final Seasoning:
Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, giving it that extra kick of flavor.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your creamy Cajun shrimp and sausage with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a bright finish. Dive into this comforting dish, and enjoy every bite!
This dish pairs beautifully with rice or crusty bread if you choose to skip the pasta. Enjoy your delicious creamy Cajun shrimp and sausage!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the fridge overnight or quickly thawing them in a sealed bag submerged in cold water.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you love heat, consider adding more Cajun seasoning or include finely chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also try using hot andouille sausage to kick up the spice level!
Can I Make This Recipe Without Pasta?
Of course! You can skip the pasta altogether and serve the creamy Cajun shrimp and sausage over rice, or simply enjoy it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce nice and creamy!
