Cajun Pasta Recipe

4.93 from 13 votes

This Cajun pasta recipe is loaded with shrimp and andouille sausage, with lots of flavorful Cajun seasonings, easy to make, a perfect weeknight dinner!

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Total Time40

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: andouille, cajun, pasta, shrimp, spicy

Servings:

Calories: 553kcal

Author: Mike Hultquist

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion chopped
1 stalk celery chopped
1 jalapeno pepper chopped (optional, for more spicy)
1 small green pepper chopped (or use half a large one)
2 cloves garlic minced
28 ounces crushed tomatoes (or use equivalent fresh)
4 ounces smoked andouille sausage sliced
1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (or more to taste - I usually use 2 tablespoons)
2-3 tablespoons sour cream or crema (optional, for a creamy version)
8 ounces prepared pasta noodles
Chopped parsley and chili flakes for serving

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pan to medium heat. Add onion, celery and peppers and cook for 5 minutes to soften, stirring.
Add garlic and andouille and cook another minute, until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Add crushed tomatoes and Cajun seasonings and stir. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes (or longer) to let the flavors develop. You can prepare your pasta while the sauce is simmering.
Tuck the shrimp into the sauce and cook for 5 minutes, or until the shrimp is cooked through and nicely pink.
When the pasta is ready, drain it but retain 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Stir it into the sauce along with the cooked pasta noodles.
If you prefer a CREAMY VERSION, stir in the sour cream or crema at this time.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and chili flakes and serve.

Video

Notes

Heat Factor: Medium. The jalapenos will give you a bit of a kick. If you'd like to increase the heat, sprinkle on some spicy chili flakes or add in some hot sauce to the mix.

Nutrition