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cajun shrimp pasta in large pot on stove

Cajun Shrimp Pasta - No Cream

This Cajun shrimp pasta is packed with bold, spicy flavors from Cajun seasoning, smoky andouille sausage, and tender shrimp. It’s easy to make, requires no cream, and delivers restaurant-quality taste right at home. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is both budget-friendly and packed with flavor.
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun/Creole
Servings 4 servings

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!