Cajun-Style Shrimp and Andouille Sausage Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant pasta dish featuring plump shrimp and smoky Andouille sausage in a rich tomato-based sauce, finished with fresh herbs for bright contrast. This cajun-inspired one pot ready in about 50 minutes pairs spaghetti, Andouille sausage, shrimp for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.4 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Cajun cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz Andouille sausage and cook for 5 minutes until golden and crispy, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, cooking for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 diced red bell pepper and 1 minced jalapeño to the skillet, cooking for 4 minutes until peppers are tender.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tsp smoked paprika and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Add 28 oz can diced tomatoes, 1 cup chicken broth, and 1 lb shrimp to the skillet, then bring to a simmer and cook for 6-8 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  7. Step 7: Return the cooked Andouille sausage to the skillet, add 1/2 cup fresh parsley, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  8. Step 8: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, tossing vigorously for 2 minutes until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
  9. Step 9: Serve immediately, topped with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cajun-Style Shrimp and Andouille Sausage Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cajun-Style Shrimp and Andouille Sausage Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cajun-Style Shrimp and Andouille Sausage Pasta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cajun-Style Shrimp and Andouille Sausage Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cajun-Style Shrimp and Andouille Sausage Pasta?

Cajun one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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