Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta

5.0
(3)
3 Reviews
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This creamy Cajun shrimp and sausage pasta dish was inspired by the flavors of gumbo. Like lots of gumbos, this recipe starts with a roux that adds depth and complexity to the creamy sauce. We like this with a simple green salad and crusty bread.

By Brenda Venable
Published on August 29, 2023
Cajun shrimp, sausage and bell peppers over spaghetti on red plate
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Servings:
6
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter

  • 1/4 cup all purpose flour

  • 1 medium onion, chopped

  • 1 cup chopped celery

  • 2/3 cup chopped red bell pepper

  • 2/3 cup chopped green bell pepper

  • 2 clove garlic, minced

  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

  • 1/2 pound thinly sliced, fully cooked smoked sausage

  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • salt to taste (see Cook's Notes)

  • 1/2 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (see Cook's Notes)

  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

  • 12 ounces spaghetti, cooked

  • chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

  • lemon slices for garnish (optional)

Directions

  1. Melt butter in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat until foamy, about 2 minutes. Stir in flour to foamy butter, whisking quickly to make sure there are no lumps. Continue stirring until roux turns a dark, reddish brown, about 5 minutes.

  2. Stir in onion, celery, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook and stir until the vegetables have begun to be tender, about 5 minutes.

  3. Stir in Cajun seasoning and chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add sliced smoked sausage and season with red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt to taste. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer about 10 minutes.

  4. Remove cover, increase heat to medium high, and return to a boil. Add shrimp and cream, and cookuntil shrimp turn pink and are curled into a C-shape, about 3 minutes.

  5. Serve warm over cooked spaghetti. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices, if desired.

Cook’s Note

Cajun seasoning has a lot of salt. Depending on your personal taste, adding salt may not be necessary. Just make sure you taste as you cook.


I used medium-sized shrimp in this recipe (21 to 25 shrimp per pound). Smaller shrimp may be used, if desired, but make sure to adjust the cooking time.


Nutrition Facts (per serving)

408 Calories
27g Fat
28g Carbs
15g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 408
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 27g 34%
Saturated Fat 13g 65%
Cholesterol 114mg 38%
Sodium 1095mg 48%
Total Carbohydrate 28g 10%
Dietary Fiber 2g 7%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 15g 30%
Vitamin C 40mg 44%
Calcium 68mg 5%
Iron 2mg 9%
Potassium 467mg 10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.