Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Penne (38 Minutes)

Send it straight to your inbox, and cook it when you're ready!

Print

Print Recipe

This Cajun shrimp and sausage pasta is a flavorful and spicy dish that combines the rich tastes of seafood and meat with a light Cajun sauce.

This dish features succulent shrimp and savory sausage tossed with penne noodles and diced tomatoes, creating a delightful blend of flavors.

Topped with scallions and fresh herbs, it’s perfect for anyone who enjoys a little heat and a lot of flavors in their pasta. Let’s begin!

  • Prep Time: 3 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 38 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 lb andouille sausage, sliced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup scallions, chopped
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta (10 minutes): Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté Shrimp and Sausage (10 minutes): Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the shrimp with half of the Cajun seasoning. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp and set aside. In the same skillet, add the sausage slices and cook until browned. Remove and set aside with the shrimp.
  3. Cook Vegetables and Sauce (10 minutes): Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant. Stir in the diced tomatoes and the rest of the Cajun seasoning. Cook for a few minutes, then pour in the broth. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Combine Pasta, Shrimp, Sausage, and Sauce (5 minutes): Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and sausage to the skillet with the sauce. Pour in the heavy cream and toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Garnish and Serve (2 minutes): Sprinkle the chopped scallions and fresh parsley or basil over the top of the pasta.
  6. Enjoy (1 minute): Serve the Cajun shrimp and sausage pasta hot, enjoy the blend of spicy, creamy, and savory flavors.

Notes

To ensure the best results, adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference. The shrimp should be cooked just until pink to avoid becoming rubbery.

The creamy sauce should lightly coat the pasta without being too heavy. This dish is a fantastic way to enjoy the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine in a comforting pasta meal. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg

Pair this with...

Southern Style Collard Greens

"Start by selecting a hearty bunch of fresh collard greens, washing them thoroughly and removing the tough stems. Slice the greens into broad ribbons and set them aside. In a large pot, sauté some diced onions until translucent. Add chunks of savory ham, letting the meat brown slightly and release its smoky aroma. Once the ham is sizzling, pile in your collard greens. They'll seem towering at first, but they'll wilt down significantly. Pour in some chicken broth for added depth and a touch of apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick. Let everything simmer slowly, melding the flavors together.

Simple Green Salad

Begin by selecting crisp lettuce leaves, giving them a thorough wash and a gentle pat dry. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them as the foundation of your salad. Next, slice ripe tomatoes, their juicy segments promising a burst of sweetness. Add these to the lettuce, their vibrant red contrasting beautifully against the green. For a refreshing crunch, slice a cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons, layering them amongst the other ingredients. For dressing, a light drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice will enhance the salad's natural flavors without overshadowing them. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and any herbs of your choosing.

Homemade Unsweetened Iced Tea

Begin by choosing a quality black, green, or herbal tea – your preference will set the tone. Bring a pot of fresh water to a gentle boil and steep your tea bags or loose leaves, letting the tea brew a bit stronger than if you were making it hot, as it will mellow when chilled. Once you’ve achieved that deep, aromatic infusion, remove the tea and let it cool to room temperature. Transfer your tea to a pitcher and pop it into the fridge to cool down and intensify the flavors. When serving, fill a glass with ice cubes, pour over the chilled tea, and maybe add a slice of lemon or sprig of mint for a touch of flair.

For Tomorrow's Dinner

Chicken with Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce (35 Minutes)

Ground Chicken and Rice Patties with Spicy Garlic Tomato Dipping Sauce (37 Minutes)

Red Curry Chicken Skewers (50 Minutes)

Turkish Eggs and Toast with Spiced Paprika Olive Oil (31 Minutes)

Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!