Louisiana Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Bake is a creamy, spicy, and comforting dish that combines succulent shrimp, smoky sausage, and tender pasta baked in a rich, cheesy sauce with bold Cajun flavors. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prepping for the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold and Spicy – Cajun seasoning adds the perfect amount of heat and flavor.
- Creamy and Cheesy – The baked cheese topping makes it extra indulgent.
- Easy to Make – Simple steps with minimal prep work.
- Great for Meal Prep – Reheats beautifully and makes excellent leftovers.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Penne or rotini pasta
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Smoked sausage, sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Cajun seasoning
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the pasta – Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the shrimp – Toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the sausage and shrimp – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Make the sauce – Lower the heat and add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir in Parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer until smooth and thickened.
- Combine everything – Add the cooked pasta, sausage, and shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- Assemble and bake – Transfer everything to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and garnish – Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and top with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- Extra Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Vegetable Boost: Mix in sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Different Protein: Swap shrimp for chicken or use a combination of both.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Rotini, penne, or rigatoni all work well.
What’s the best sausage for this dish?
Andouille sausage adds the best smoky flavor, but any smoked sausage works.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Let it simmer longer or add more Parmesan cheese.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes! Just warm it up before adding it to the pasta.
What side dishes go well with this meal?
A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair well.
Can I add breadcrumbs for a crispy topping?
Absolutely! Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top before baking.
How do I make it extra creamy?
Add more cheese or an extra splash of cream.
Can I add mushrooms?
Yes! Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy flavor that complements the dish well.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Conclusion
Louisiana Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Bake is a bold, cheesy, and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress, this pasta bake delivers rich flavors with a hint of spice. Try it today and enjoy a satisfying homemade meal!
Print
Louisiana Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Bake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Louisiana Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Bake is loaded with plump shrimp, smoky andouille sausage, and tender pasta, all tossed in a creamy, spicy Cajun sauce. Baked to perfection with melty cheese, this dish is an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner that delivers bold flavors in every bite!
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
For the Cajun Shrimp and Sausage:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 oz andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Baking:
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Sausage and Shrimp
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add sliced andouille sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add shrimp. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with the sausage.
3. Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir and let simmer for 3–4 minutes to slightly thicken.
- Gradually stir in cheddar cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, mixing until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp, and sausage. Pour the Cajun sauce over the pasta and mix well.
- Top with ½ cup mozzarella cheese and ½ cup cheddar cheese.
5. Bake
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to your heat preference.
- Protein Swap: Use chicken instead of shrimp, or mix both for extra flavor.
- Extra Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños for heat.
- Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lower-calorie version.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all ingredients are GF.
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