There’s something magical about Cajun shrimp pasta—it’s bold, hearty, and full of flavor. And the best part? You don’t need any cream to make it luscious and satisfying!
Let me walk you through the steps to create this easy, flavorful pasta recipe that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Plus, I’ll show you how affordable it is to whip up, with a cost-per-serving breakdown so you know exactly what you’re spending. Let’s get to it!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Shrimp Pasta
This recipe is all about bold Cajun spices, smoky andouille sausage, and tender shrimp tossed with penne pasta in a tomato-based sauce. And unlike many creamy pasta recipes, this one keeps things light while still being rich in flavor.
Here’s why it’s a winner:
- No cream needed: The tomato-based sauce is naturally lighter, making this dish a perfect option if you’re looking for something flavorful but not heavy. It’s a great choice for anyone who prefers dairy-free meals or just wants to avoid overly rich sauces.
- Packed with flavor: Cajun spices, garlic, and Italian seasoning bring it to life.
- Quick and easy: You can have this dish on the table in about 30 minutes.
- Budget-friendly: Simple ingredients that don’t cost a fortune.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level, swap proteins, or add more veggies—it’s super versatile.
Cost Per Serving
One of the best things about this Cajun shrimp pasta recipe is how affordable it is. Here’s a quick cost breakdown:
- Andouille sausage: $3.50
- Red bell pepper: $1.50
- Onion: $0.75
- Garlic: $0.50
- Diced tomatoes: $1.25
- Chicken broth: $0.50
- Seasonings: ~$0.50
- Penne pasta: $1.50
- Shrimp: $6.00
Total cost: ~$16.00
Servings: 4
Cost per serving: $4.00
This proves you don’t have to break the bank to make a delicious, restaurant-quality meal at home! With a cost of under $5 per serving, this Cajun shrimp pasta fits perfectly into any budget-friendly meal plan. Plus, saving money doesn’t stop at the recipe—take a look at my grocery shopping tips for more practical ways to stretch your budget and shop smarter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this Cajun shrimp pasta:
- Andouille sausage: Smoky and spicy, it’s the base of the flavor.
- Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and color.
- Onion: A classic flavor base.
- Garlic: Because every good pasta dish needs garlic!
- Diced tomatoes: Forms the base of the sauce.
- Chicken broth: Helps create the sauce and balances the spices.
- Cajun seasoning: The star of the dish.
- Onion powder, Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Cayenne pepper: Layers of flavor that elevate the dish.
- Penne noodles: Holds the sauce perfectly.
- Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, seasoned for a burst of protein.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To bring it all together.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Slice the andouille sausage into rounds and cook in a large skillet over medium heat until browned on both sides, about 3–4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a splash of oil (if needed) and sauté the diced onion, red bell pepper, and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
TIP: Make sure that you don’t cook your vegetables down too much. You still want them to have a little bit of bite, especially since they’re going to cook down more when you simmer the sauce.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the skillet. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Once the sauce has simmered and thickened slightly, add the seasoned shrimp directly to the pot. Stir to coat the shrimp in the sauce, then cover the skillet and let it cook until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and fully cooked. This method allows the shrimp to absorb all the bold Cajun flavors while staying juicy and tender.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Add the cooked sausage and pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat everything evenly. Let everything warm through for a couple of minutes, then you are ready to serve!
Tips for Success: How to Make the Best Cajun Shrimp Pasta
This Cajun shrimp pasta is already a flavorful, easy-to-make meal, but here are a few pro tips to make sure it turns out perfectly every time. Plus, we’ll dive into some variations to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.
1. Control the Spice Level
Cajun food can pack a punch, but you have full control over how much heat you want in this dish. If you’re looking for a milder version, you can easily reduce the cayenne pepper and Cajun seasoning to suit your taste. Alternatively, add extra cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce for more heat. This is a great option if you love spicy pasta dishes!
3. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
Shrimp cook quickly, and they can become rubbery if overcooked. Add the shrimp to the sauce when it’s nearly finished simmering and cook them just until they’re pink and opaque—this should just take a few minutes. This ensures that the shrimp stays tender and juicy, adding a nice protein boost without ruining the texture.
4. Use Penne or Your Favorite Pasta
While this recipe calls for penne pasta, don’t feel limited. You can use other short pasta shapes like rotini, rigatoni, or farfalle for a fun twist. The key is to use a pasta shape that holds the sauce well—opt for one with grooves or ridges. Pasta Recipes are all about pairing the right pasta with a flavorful sauce, and penne does a great job at this!
5. Add More Veggies for Extra Nutrition
This recipe is already packed with vegetables, but you can always add more for extra nutrition and flavor. Try tossing in some spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms—these veggies will cook nicely in the sauce and add vibrant color to your Cajun shrimp pasta. Plus, it’s an easy way to incorporate even more vitamins and fiber into your meal.
By following these tips, you’ll have a perfectly balanced, flavorful Cajun shrimp pasta every time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe will always impress. Plus, with customizable spice levels and optional vegetable add-ins, you can easily make this dish suit your preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this Cajun shrimp pasta ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best to cook the shrimp fresh. If making ahead, store the pasta and sauce separately from the shrimp to keep everything fresh and flavorful.
2. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving shrimp for too long to prevent it from becoming rubbery.
3. Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely! Fettuccine, spaghetti, or even gluten-free pasta works well in this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
This Cajun shrimp pasta is a meal on its own, but you can elevate it even more with:
- A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread or crusty French bread to soak up the sauce.
- A sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
To Sum It Up: Simple, Spicy, and Satisfying Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Cajun shrimp pasta doesn’t need cream to be creamy, flavorful, and satisfying. This no-cream version is lighter but still delivers all the bold, zesty flavors you expect from a Cajun-inspired dish. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is a winner.
Try it out and let me know how it turned out! What tweaks did you make? I’d love to hear your version in the comments below.
Cajun Shrimp Pasta – No Cream
Ingredients
- 6-7 oz Andouille sausage
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 medium onion sliced
- 1 tbsp garlic minced
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1.5 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 6-8 oz penne pasta
- 20 shrimp peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the ingredients:
- Slice the andouille sausage into rounds or half circles.
- Chop the red bell pepper and onion into 1 inch squares.
- Mince the garlic.
- Peel and devein the shrimp (if not prepped).
Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Cook the sausage:
- In a large skillet, cook the sliced andouille sausage over medium heat for about 3–4 minutes, or until it’s browned and crispy. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
Prepare the sauce:
- Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
Cook the shrimp:
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp directly into the sauce. Stir gently to coat them in the sauce, then cover the skillet and cook for 3 – 5 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
Combine and serve:
- Add the cooked sausage and drained penne pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
