This creamy Cajun shrimp and sausage dish is a real treat! It’s filled with juicy shrimp, tasty sausage, and a rich, smooth sauce that brings all the flavors together.
Honestly, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner. I love serving it over rice, and my family can’t get enough of it. Just don’t forget the napkins; it’s going to get saucy! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are best for this dish. If you can’t find fresh, frozen shrimp works just as well. Make sure to thaw it before cooking. For a change, try using chicken or a mix of seafood instead!
Andouille or Smoked Sausage: This gives a great smoky flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey sausage can substitute. Just note that it may not have the same depth of flavor.
Cajun Seasoning: Feel free to adjust this to your spice level. You can also make your own blend with paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder if you want more control over the heat.
Heavy Cream: The cream makes the sauce rich. For a lighter option, you could use half-and-half or coconut milk, but the texture will be less creamy.
Parsley: This adds a fresh touch. If you don’t have parsley, chopped green onions or basil can work as a substitute. I love using fresh herbs to elevate flavors!
How Do I Get the Shrimp Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking shrimp just right is key to this recipe. Overcooking can make them rubbery! Here’s how to ensure they are perfectly tender:
- Make sure the skillet is at a gentle simmer when you add the shrimp.
- Shrimp cook quickly—watch for them to turn from gray to pink. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Once they curl into a “C” shape, they’re done! If they curl tightly, they’re overcooked.
With these tips, you’ll have flavorful shrimp that complement the creamy sauce beautifully!
Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces Andouille or smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or pasta, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and about 20 minutes of cooking time, so you’ll be enjoying your creamy Cajun shrimp and sausage in around 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced Andouille or smoked sausage and cook, turning occasionally, until it’s browned and a bit crispy, around 4-5 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the butter and allow it to melt. Next, toss in the sliced onions and sauté until they’re softened and translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Add More Flavor:
If you’re using it, stir in the diced green bell pepper and let it cook for about 2 minutes. Then, add the diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything well and let it cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to come together.
4. Create the Sauce:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and slowly stir in the heavy cream, mixing constantly until the sauce is smooth and starts to thicken, which will take about 3-5 minutes.
5. Combine and Cook the Shrimp:
Return the browned sausage back to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce. Next, add the shrimp and gently simmer until they turn pink and are cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Make sure not to overcook the shrimp!
6. Final Touches:
Give the dish a taste and adjust the seasoning with more Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper as needed. Finally, garnish your dish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
7. Serve:
Your creamy Cajun shrimp and sausage is ready to be served! Ladle it over cooked rice or pasta, and enjoy the rich flavors and delightful spice!
Bon appétit! Eating well has never been easier!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can do this by leaving them in the fridge overnight or placing them in a sealed bag and submerging them in cold water for about 30 minutes.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you love heat, you can increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper while cooking. You can also add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! You can cook the entire dish ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm it up gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or broth to freshen the sauce.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut milk works well, although it will slightly change the flavor profile.