Cajun Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Shrimp

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With three young, energetic boys I am always looking for ways to get a quick and easy weeknight meal on the table that is also healthy.

It is one of those non-negotiables in my house.

I know that with a full day of school, travel soccer, cross country and swimming class during the week my kids need fuel to keep them going. 

Today’s Cajun Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Shrimp is a meal that checks all the boxes. This meal is healthy, easy to prepare, full of flavor and customizable to your families tastes.

You might remember from my Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Vegetables recipe in the spring that I love their fully cooked chicken sausage for my meal prep and quick meals during the week. 

If you like Cajun food you have to check out some of my other Cajun recipes like this Sausage and Shrimp Foil Packets, Easy Cajun Shrimp Recipe, Shrimp Creole Recipe, Easy Blackened Fish or this Easy One Pot Cajun Pasta Recipe. 

Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need

• Pasta: I like to use a medium pasta shape like bow tie or penne. You can use any of your favorite pasta shapes.
• Sausage: This recipe uses chicken sauce that is sliced. You can use other sausage options like smoked sausage, andouille sausage, pork sausage, chorizo or kielbasa.
• Shrimp: I like to use peeled, deveined and precooked shrimp. I think medium or large shrimp work best but once again whatever shrimp you have on hand will work fine.
• Vegetables: The vegetables in this dish are red bell pepper, zucchini and garlic. You could sub in other vegetables like carrots, celery, mushrooms or poblanos.
• Spinach: I added baby spinach. You can also use kale or swiss chard or leave it out.
• Tomatoes: The dried tomatoes help make a creamy cajun sauce. You also could use fire roasted diced tomatoes for a more smoky flavor.
• Cream: The cream helps create a creamy cajun sauce. For a dairy free option you can use cashew milk or coconut milk.
• Spices: The cajun seasoning blend adds so much flavor and spice to the pasta dish.

For exact ingredient amounts and instructions, see the full recipe card below. 

Ways to Modify this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

• Beans: I like to add beans to pasta dishes for extra protein. This dish would be great with cannelini {white} beans added in. 
• Spices: For today’s recipe I used cajun spice because I really like it. It is not for everyone, though. The great thing is that you can easily modify this dish and use your favorite spices like garlic powder, onion powder, oregano or paprika. You could also create a southwest style pasta by adding black beans, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper and paprika.
• Sauce: Creamy sauces on pasta dishes is something I enjoy. If you are wanting a lighter sauce substitute the cream with a 1/4 cup of chicken broth. 
• Greens: I used spinach in this recipe but you can use swiss chard, kale or arugula. 
• Vegetables: Any time I can add vegetables into meal I am happy. Some others I like are carrots, celery, eggplant and mushrooms.
• Pasta: You can use your favorite pasta or try using zucchini noodles. This dish also works nicely over rice or even cauliflower rice. 
• Cheese: I sprinkle parmesan cheese on this pasta dish but you can leave it out or use something different. I like mozzarella, goat cheese or gruyere cheese. 

How to Make Cajun Pasta with Shrimp and Sausage

Step 1: Saute Veggies & Protein: Cook the pasta according to the package. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute for two minutes. Add in the bell pepper, sausage and shrimp and continue to saute for about 4-5 minutes, until the sausage and shrimp is heated through.

Step 2: Add Spinach: Add the zucchini and spinach and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted.

Step 3: Create Cajun Sauce: In a small mixing bowl combine the heavy cream, diced tomatoes and cajun spice and mix well.

Step 4: Mix Sauce with Pasta: Pour the sauce over the pasta dish and simmer for 2-3 minutes to let the sauce cook down a bit. Stir in the pasta and add salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the dish. Garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy warm!