Looking for a satisfying and flavorful meal that everyone will enjoy? Try this delicious Shrimp and Sausage Pasta recipe! This easy-to-make pasta dish features succulent shrimp, savory sausage, and a flavorful Cajun tomato sauce, all ready in 30 minutes or less.
Craving a hearty and satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen? This easy, 30-minute Shrimp and Sausage Pasta recipe is the perfect solution!
This “surf and turf” pasta dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making it a regular addition to your family’s dinner rotation.
Why This Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Recipe Works
There are countless reasons why this easy dinner recipe is a winner:
- Surf and Turf Meets Pasta: Combines the best of seafood and sausage with comforting pasta – a trifecta of deliciousness!
- Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes or less, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Convenient Ingredients: Using pre-cooked or thawed frozen shrimp speeds up the cooking process even further.
- Customizable Flavor: Adjust the spices to create a dish that’s as spicy or as mild as you desire.
- Feeds a Crowd: This recipe makes enough to serve approximately 6-8 people.
- Flavor Explosion: The Cajun seasoning adds a delicious, crave-worthy kick that complements the pasta, shrimp, and sausage perfectly.
Key Ingredients for Shrimp and Sausage Pasta
Here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients you’ll need for this seafood and sausage pasta. Find the exact measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Pasta: Linguine is a classic choice, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape, such as fettuccine, penne, or rotini.
- Shrimp: Opt for large peeled and deveined shrimp. For an even quicker meal, use pre-cooked frozen shrimp and thaw it completely before cooking. This saves valuable prep time and ensures a speedy dinner.
- Sausage: The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can use almost any type of sausage that suits your taste. Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even bratwurst work exceptionally well. Consider the flavor profile of the sausage and how it will complement the Cajun seasoning.
- Cajun Seasoning: For the best and most authentic flavor, consider using homemade Cajun seasoning. You can also use your favorite store-bought Cajun blend, but be sure to check the ingredient list and adjust the amount to your preferred level of spice.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce. For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or even coconut milk (for a dairy-free version), but the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
- Roma Tomatoes: Diced Roma tomatoes add a touch of freshness and acidity to the dish, balancing the richness of the cream sauce and the savory flavors of the shrimp and sausage.
- Garlic: Minced garlic is a crucial ingredient that infuses the sauce with its pungent aroma and flavor. Use fresh garlic for the best results, and be careful not to burn it when sautéing.
- Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese: Freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese adds a nutty, salty, and umami-rich flavor to the sauce, enhancing its overall complexity.
- Butter: Contributes to the richness and smoothness of the sauce.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the sausage and shrimp.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the shrimp and bringing out the flavors of all the other ingredients.
By carefully selecting and combining these ingredients, you’ll create a Shrimp and Sausage Pasta that is bursting with flavor and sure to impress.
How to Make Shrimp and Sausage Pasta: Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to create this delicious Shrimp and Sausage Pasta. The full ingredients list and detailed cooking instructions are available in the printable recipe card below.
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package directions. Be sure to salt the boiling water generously to season the pasta from the inside out.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them to brown properly when sautéed. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Cook the Sausage: Cut three small slits on each side of each sausage link or bratwurst. This prevents the sausage from bursting while cooking and allows the flavors to release into the pan. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, browning on all sides.
- Slice the Sausage: Transfer the sausage to a cutting board and slice on the bias into ½-inch thick slices. This creates visually appealing pieces and helps them cook evenly. Return the sliced sausage to the skillet.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet with the sausage and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, turning over to just start to get some color on each side. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as it will become rubbery.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 more minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
- Create the Sauce: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, then add the butter and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
- Melt the Cheese: Keep stirring the ingredients together just until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Then turn off the heat.
- Combine with Pasta: Drain the pasta thoroughly, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
- Season and Finish: Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and parsley. Add the diced tomatoes. Toss all of the ingredients together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- Serve: Finally, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta just before serving. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp and Sausage Pasta
Is this dish spicy?
This recipe is designed to have a slight kick, but it wouldn’t be considered overly spicy. It’s full of warm Cajun spices that add flavor rather than intense heat. You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the spiciness.
What type of sausage should I use?
You can use almost any sausage you have on hand! Italian sausage, bratwurst, chicken sausage, plant-based sausage, pork sausage – whatever your favorite sausage is, use that! Just make sure it doesn’t have too many competing flavors that would clash with the Cajun seasoning.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, add a bit of milk or olive oil to “wake up” the sauce, and reheat in a skillet over medium heat on the stove.
Serving Suggestions for Shrimp and Sausage Pasta
This pasta dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. Consider serving it with homemade French bread or Easy Garlic Parmesan Knots.
It’s also delicious with a Simple Fruit Salad or a side of vegetables, such as Air Fryer Broccoli, Mushroom Marsala, or Garlic Lemon Asparagus.
Wine Pairings for Shrimp and Sausage Pasta
Pair this shrimp and sausage pasta with the same type of wine that complements our Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe. You can choose a rosé, white, or red wine!
If you prefer white wine: A Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling are excellent choices.
If you prefer red wine: Opt for a light-bodied Pinot Noir or Gamay.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment for Shrimp and Sausage Pasta
To make this flavorful surf and turf pasta recipe, you’ll need a large skillet and a large pot for cooking the pasta.
More Delicious Pasta Recipes
- Dairy-Free Lobster Mac and Cheese
- Tuscan Sausage Pasta
- Fall Pasta Recipes
- Cherry Tomato and Pesto Pasta
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a 5-Star rating in the recipe card below, and if you loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Thank you!
Shrimp and Sausage Pasta
Marlynn Schotland
15
mins
15
mins
30
mins
6
servings
Equipment
-
Large Skillet
Ingredients
-
12
ounces
linguine or other pasta shape -
1
pound
large shrimp, peeled and deveined -
½
teaspoon
kosher salt -
¼
teaspoon
ground black pepper -
2
Tablespoons
olive oil -
5
garlic cloves, minced -
3
sausage links -
1
cup
heavy cream -
2
Tablespoons
unsalted butter -
2
Roma tomatoes, diced -
¼
cup
freshly grated parmigiano reggiano cheese