Shrimp and Sausage Pasta

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

Enjoy a comforting pasta dish brimming with sautéed shrimp and smoky sausage, nestled in a creamy Cajun tomato sauce. This hearty dinner comes together quickly with the help of Old Bay seasoning, coconut or regular milk, and crushed tomatoes for depth. The shrimp are cooked until just pink for tenderness, while the sausage adds smoky richness. Everything is tossed with your favorite pasta and topped with optional Parmesan cheese, making for a savory, well-balanced meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Adjust the sauce amount and heat to match your preference, and enjoy this deliciously spicy combination any night of the week.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Tue, 22 Jul 2025 16:55:28 GMT
A bowl of shrimp and sausage pasta. Save
A bowl of shrimp and sausage pasta. | lilicooks.com

Shrimp and sausage pasta in a creamy Cajun-inspired sauce is one of those feel-good dishes perfect for when you want a little bit of comfort and a lot of flavor. Every time I make this, the kitchen fills with rich aromas and the table goes quiet except for people grabbing seconds. This recipe is quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for company. The sauce is just spicy enough and the combo of shrimp and sausage is always a crowd-pleaser.

When I first served this at a family Sunday dinner everyone wanted the recipe on the spot and even my picky eater went back for more.

Ingredients

  • Shrimp: adds that sweet seafood flavor and cooks up quickly I like to use medium or large shrimp that are deveined and peeled for speed
  • Smoked sausage: brings a deep savoriness to the dish Kielbasa and andouille both give spicy notes but chicken sausage works if you want it lighter look for sausages with a good snap and smoky aroma
  • Pasta: holds the sauce and gives the meal its hearty base Bigger shapes like penne or rigatoni trap the creamy sauce best
  • Canned coconut milk: makes the sauce creamy with a subtle hint of sweetness If using dairy pick whole milk for richness
  • Old Bay seasoning: provides signature Cajun spice and gentle heat Make sure it is fresh and aromatic
  • Canned crushed tomatoes: create a tangy and robust sauce Choose a brand with no added sugar for a cleaner tomato taste
  • Fresh garlic: punches up the sauce Make sure the cloves are firm and not sprouting
  • Butter and olive oil: help sauté the seafood and sausage and add richness Use extra virgin olive oil for best flavor
  • Freshly grated parmesan: for topping optional but it adds a salty nutty finish to the dish Always grate it yourself for best melting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics and Build the Sauce:
Smash your peeled garlic cloves and place them in a medium sauce pot with crushed tomatoes milk of your choice and two teaspoons of Old Bay seasoning Bring this mixture up to a gentle boil then lower the heat and let simmer for a few minutes This softens the garlic and lets the flavors meld
Blend the Sauce:
Transfer the mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender Process until smooth and creamy This gives the finished sauce a velvety consistency with no tomato chunks
Boil the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Drop in your pasta and cook just until al dente following the package instructions Drain well but save a little bit of the cooking water
Sauté the Shrimp and Sausage:
In a large skillet heat the butter and olive oil over medium high heat Add thawed shrimp and season with half a teaspoon of Old Bay Sear each shrimp for two to three minutes per side until totally pink and firm Remove shrimp to a plate but do not clean the pan
Brown the Sausage:
Using the same pan add sliced sausage directly into the flavorful oil You want each side browned and crisped up about three to four minutes per batch If you are using leaner sausage splash in a little more oil as needed
Bring Everything Together:
Return the cooked shrimp and drained pasta to the pan with the sausage Pour in half the creamy tomato sauce Toss well to coat everything gently then add more sauce until you reach your favorite consistency
Finish the Dish:
Sprinkle the pasta with freshly grated parmesan while it is still hot so it melts in Serve straight from the pan or dish up into bowls
A bowl of shrimp and sausage pasta. Save
A bowl of shrimp and sausage pasta. | lilicooks.com

I love the hint of warmth from Old Bay seasoning and always keep a tin on hand because it brings the right balance to seafood without overwhelming the dish. One of my favorite moments with this recipe was when my cousin who always avoids spicy food asked for third helpings at a summer family reunion.

Storage Tips

This pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating add a splash of water or a bit more milk to loosen the sauce since pasta can absorb liquid as it sits. For freezing I find it better to keep sauce and pasta separate if possible for better texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of coconut milk you can use regular whole milk or half and half for the creamiest consistency. Swap in turkey sausage or even a veggie sausage if you prefer less fat or want to make it pescatarian with just shrimp. Penne rotini or even linguine all work as base pasta so use your favorite shape.

A bowl of shrimp and sausage pasta. Save
A bowl of shrimp and sausage pasta. | lilicooks.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pasta piping hot with garlic bread or a big green salad on the side. A squeeze of fresh lemon over the finished bowl brightens up the rich flavors. Add extra parmesan and red pepper flakes for those who love a little extra kick.

Cultural and Historical Context

This dish takes inspiration from both Cajun and classic Italian pasta traditions. Utilizing sausage and seafood together is rooted in Gulf Coast cooking while the creamy tomato sauce nods to Italian American favorites. It is fusion comfort food at its best.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of sausage works best?

Smoked Andouille, Kielbasa, or chicken sausage all work well, bringing their own unique flavor and smoky depth to the dish.

→ Can I use a dairy substitute for the sauce?

Yes, canned coconut milk or other plant-based milks can replace dairy milk for a creamy, rich sauce with a hint of sweetness.

→ How spicy is this dish?

The spiciness comes mainly from Old Bay seasoning and sausage choice. Adjust these to taste for a milder or bolder kick.

→ Which pasta shapes pair best?

Sturdy shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine hold up well to the creamy sauce and chunky seafood and sausage.

→ Can I prep this meal ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the sauce and meats in advance, then cook pasta fresh and toss everything together just before serving.

Shrimp and Sausage Pasta

Spicy shrimp and smoked sausage tossed in creamy tomato sauce with pasta. Comforting, flavorful and easy to make.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
30 min
Overall Time
45 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: Cajun

Output: 4 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 tbsp Butter
02 1 tbsp Olive Oil
03 1 lb Shrimp, thawed
04 1 lb Smoked Sausage (Andouille, Kielbasa, or Chicken), sliced
05 1 lb Pasta, boiled
06 14 oz Canned Coconut Milk or Any Milk
07 2.5 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
08 28 oz Canned Crushed Tomatoes
09 2 Garlic Cloves, crushed
10 1/4 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan, optional

Steps

Step 01

Crush the garlic cloves and add them to a medium-sized saucepan along with crushed tomatoes, your choice of milk, and 2 teaspoons of Old Bay seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil, then transfer it to a food processor or high-speed blender to create a smooth sauce.

Step 02

Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 03

Heat butter and olive oil in a deep, large sauté pan over medium heat. Once hot, add thawed shrimp and season with 1/2 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning. Cook each shrimp for 2–3 minutes on each side until completely pink. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.

Step 04

Using the same pan, add the sliced sausage. If you are using lean sausage like turkey or chicken, you may need to add an extra 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the sausage until browned on both sides.

Step 05

Return the shrimp and cooked pasta to the pan with the sausage. Pour in half of the prepared sauce and mix thoroughly. Gradually add more sauce until the pasta reaches your desired consistency.

Step 06

Top the pasta with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, before serving.

Tips

  1. For a spicier dish, adjust the amount of Old Bay seasoning to taste or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Required Tools

  • Medium-sized saucepan
  • Deep sauté pan
  • Food processor or high-speed blender
  • Large pot for boiling pasta

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp).
  • Contains dairy (if using Parmesan cheese).

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Fats: ~
  • Carbohydrates: ~
  • Proteins: ~