Houston-Style Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A one-pan Cajun seafood and sausage dish with bold spices and a touch of smoky heat inspired by Houston’s vibrant flavors. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, andouille sausage, sliced, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 8 oz sliced andouille sausage and cook for 4 minutes until browned and slightly crisp.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium diced onion, 1 medium diced bell pepper, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, cooking for 1 minute until spices are aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and 1 cup canned diced tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Houston-Style Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Houston-Style Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet?

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 andouille sausage, sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Houston-Style Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet?

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 Houston-Style Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet 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 Houston-Style Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet?

American seafood 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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