This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage dish is a wonderful mix of juicy shrimp and flavorful sausage, all in a rich and creamy sauce. It’s got a nice little kick to keep things exciting!
I love how quick and easy it is to prepare—perfect for busy nights. Just toss it all together, and you have a meal that feels fancy but is super simple. Don’t forget the bread for dipping! 🥖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Using large shrimp is key for the dish as they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you’re on a budget or prefer, you can use frozen shrimp—just thaw them ahead of time!
Smoked Sausage: Andouille sausage adds a great smoky flavor, but if it’s not available, Kielbasa or chicken sausage can work well too. For a lighter option, turkey sausage is a nice substitute.
Cajun Seasoning: If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and thyme. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste!
Cream: Heavy cream gives the sauce a rich texture, but if you want to cut calories, half-and-half or even yogurt can be a good alternative. Just be careful not to add yogurt over direct heat to avoid curdling.
Parmesan Cheese: This is optional, but it adds a nice savory depth to the sauce. You can swap it with any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or just skip it for a dairy-free version.
How Do I Get the Shrimp Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp quickly is important so they remain tender. Here are some helpful steps:
- Heat your skillet over medium-high before adding shrimp. A hot pan allows for quick cooking.
- Cook shrimp for just 2-3 minutes per side. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cook in batches if necessary, as too many shrimp at once can lead to steaming.
Following these tips will give you perfectly cooked shrimp that are flavorful and succulent! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Sausage?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz (225g) smoked sausage (such as Andouille or Kielbasa), sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (150g) sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or stock
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra richness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Once hot, add the sliced sausage and cook until it’s browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining oil or butter. Then, toss in the sliced onions and mushrooms. Cook these until they soften and become fragrant, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Don’t forget to stir them occasionally!
3. Add Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it sauté for about 30 seconds, so it becomes aromatic. Keep an eye on it – you don’t want the garlic to burn!
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the cleaned shrimp to the skillet, along with the Cajun seasoning. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside with the sausage.
5. Make the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits. Let this mixture simmer for about 2 minutes, which adds a lot of flavor!
6. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Now, reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese (if you’re using it) and let it cook until the sauce thickens slightly—this should take around 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
7. Combine Everything:
Finally, return the shrimp and sausage to the skillet. Stir everything together so that the shrimp and sausage are nicely coated in that creamy sauce. Let it all heat through for another 2 minutes.
8. Serve It Up:
Garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread for dipping or served over rice or pasta. Enjoy your creamy and spicy Cajun delight!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them first. You can do this by placing them in the fridge overnight or submerging them in a sealed bag in cold water for about 20-30 minutes before cooking.
Can I Substitute the Smoked Sausage?
Yes, you can use any smoked sausage like Kielbasa, chicken sausage, or turkey sausage. Just keep in mind that different sausages will bring varying flavors to the dish, so choose one that you enjoy!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating without overcooking the shrimp.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning as coconut cream may add a slight sweetness to the dish.