Easy Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

This Easy Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe is made with andouille sausage, red and green peppers, and covered in a decadent heavy whipping cream sauce, a little similar to Alfredo. If you enjoy spicy, this seafood dish definitely has the kick!

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Do you miss a similar pasta from TGI Fridays? Or maybe you are looking for something BETTER! This dish really takes me back to New Orleans. You will absolutely love the cream sauce! Coupled with flavor from the sausage, this is definitely something to add to your dinner menu.

What Type of Shrimp to Use

Shrimp can be found at the grocery store in a few different ways. There is raw, pre-cooked, raw and frozen, deveined, tails on, tails off, etc.

I never use pre-cooked shrimp. There is an obvious difference in taste due to the lack of quality. The shrimp is cooked and then frozen and you have to cook it/warm it up again. This usually overcooks the shrimp. Raw shrimp only takes minutes to make, just buy it raw.

Always look for deveined, that’s my preference. The black vein that runs along the back of the shrimp is the digestive intestinal tract. Is this shrimp poop, yes.

You can buy it with the vein and remove it using a sharp paring knife to make a slit along the back and lift out the vein with the tip of the knife.

Buy large shrimp. No one likes those baby shrimp and they are harder to cook with.

How to Thaw Frozen Shrimp

Place the frozen shrimp in a large bowl of cold water. The shrimp will thaw within minutes and will be ready to peel.

What Type of Pasta to Use

• Linguine 
• Fettucini
• Farfalle (Bow Tie Pasta)
• Penne

Low Carb Pasta Options

• Palmini Hearts of Palm Linguine – This is what I use in the recipe and it’s fantastic. Prior to trying this I have always used zucchini noodles before. These work better than zucchini noodles in my opinion.
• Zucchini Noodles – Use a spiralizer to create these.
• Spaghetti Squash – Check out my post, How to Make Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash.
• Miracle Noodles – These are shirataki noodles. I have tried them once and they are ok. I’m not a huge fan.

How to Make Cajun Shrimp Pasta

1. Boil the pasta in accordance with package instructions.
2. Saute the shrimp in a pan on medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside.
3. Saute andouille sausage, green peppers, red peppers, and onions in the pan for 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. Melt butter in the pan on medium heat. Add heavy whipping cream, almond milk, Parmesan reggiano cheese, Cajun Seasoning, and cream cheese.
5. Add the cooked shrimp, roasted tomatoes, sauteed vegetables, sausage, and pasta. Stir.

Sausage Substitutions

You can omit the sausage completely or substitute it if you wish. Andouille sausage is very traditional. The smoked flavor adds tremendous flavor to the dish. You can use any of the following:

• Chicken Sausage
• Turkey Sausage
• Bacon
• Turkey Bacon

Shrimp Substitutions

You can substitute shrimp for just about anything.

• Chicken (Shred or cut into 1-inch chunks)
• Lobster
• Crab

How Long Will it Last in the Fridge

Pasta dishes usually last in the fridge 3-4 days. I always find that they taste better the next day. All of the ingredients have commingled for a while together in the fridge. When you reheat it, it’s pretty magical!

How to Freeze the Dish

I like to use these soup molds for all of my freezing. They are super convenient. You can freeze the dish for up to a few months. You will likely notice some separation in the sauce when you reheat it. This is normal for cream sauces when frozen.

The Difference Between Cajun and Creole Seasoning

I have used both Cajun and Creole Seasoning in this recipe and I enjoy them both. It’s totally up to you with what you use. Do you want something spicy? Opt for Cajun. Do you want something well seasoned? Opt for Creole.

Cajun seasoning is often spicy with an emphasis on peppers, white pepper, black peppers, cayenne pepper, and bell peppers. It also has hints of paprika and garlic.

Creole Seasoning has more emphasis on herbs such as basil, oregano and thyme. It is milder than Cajun Seasoning. If you want to substitute Creole Seasoning, and you still want the added heat, add in a teaspoon or more of red cayenne pepper.

If you are looking for an option that’s less spicy Creole Seasoning may work better for you than Cajun.

You may also enjoy our Cajun Dirty Rice.

What Type of Pan To Use

You will need a large pot to boil the water and pasta. To prepare the shrimp, vegetables, and cream sauce, you can use any skillet you wish. I prefer to use a cast-iron skillet. It adds a blackened layer to the shrimp that I love.

More Pasta Recipes

Seafood Lasagna
Southern Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese
Keto Shrimp Alfredo
Keto Chicken Alfredo
Keto Spaghetti and Meatballs
Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups
Lobster Mac and Cheese
Seafood Stuffed Pasta Shells
Southern Chicken Spaghetti
Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
Cheesy Taco Pasta

More Shrimp and Seafood Recipes

Shrimp Egg Rolls
Shrimp Avocado Salad
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
Seafood Shrimp Pho Soup
Tuna Poke Bowls
Blackened Fish Tacos
Baked Crab Legs
Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp
Jerk Shrimp Recipe
Shrimp Parmesan (Parmigiana)