Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage – Bold, Comforting, and Full of Flavor

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that brings the vibrant spices of Cajun cooking to your table. Juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and tender pasta are tossed in a creamy, spiced sauce that’s indulgent yet surprisingly light. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this dish combines comfort food appeal with bold Southern flair.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Spicy & Savory – Cajun seasoning delivers just the right kick of heat and depth of flavor.
Creamy & Satisfying – A lighter cream sauce ties everything together without feeling heavy.
Protein-Packed – Shrimp and sausage make this dish filling and balanced.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.

Ingredients

• 6 oz whole wheat pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)
• 8 oz medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 oz turkey or chicken sausage, sliced into thin rounds
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup low-fat half-and-half or evaporated milk
• ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the Sausage & Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook for 2–3 minutes until browned. Season shrimp with a little Cajun seasoning and add to the skillet. Cook shrimp until pink and cooked through, about 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and sausage to a plate.

3. Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.

4. Make the Sauce
Reduce heat to low. Stir in half-and-half and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with Cajun seasoning to taste.

5. Combine Everything
Add cooked pasta, shrimp, and sausage back to the skillet. Toss everything together until well-coated and heated through.

6. Serve & Garnish
Divide among plates and garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 320
Protein: 23g
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Sugar: 4g
Fiber: 4g

Tips for Success

• Adjust the Heat – Use more or less Cajun seasoning depending on your spice preference.
• Don’t Overcook Shrimp – Remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink to keep them tender.
• Lighter Cream Option – Use evaporated milk or low-fat half-and-half for a creamy texture with less fat.

Why This Recipe Works

The smoky sausage and sweet shrimp complement each other beautifully, while the creamy Cajun sauce coats the pasta in bold, balanced flavors. Using lighter dairy and lean protein keeps this dish satisfying but not overly heavy, making it perfect for a lighter take on a classic comfort dish.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage is a comforting yet lightened-up version of a Southern favorite. With bold spices, a silky sauce, and plenty of protein, it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again — quick enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests.