Why You’ll Love Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Recipe
This dish is bursting with Cajun seasoning and savory goodness, making it a standout dinner choice even on busy weeknights. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare with minimal cleanup thanks to the one‑pan format, and how versatile it is—you can swap vegetables or proteins to suit your taste. From prep to plate in about 30 minutes, it’s quick, flavorful, and sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
14 oz sausage, sliced (Andouille or Kielbasa)
2 red bell peppers, cut into strips
2 zucchini, sliced into 1/4″ slices
2 yellow squash, sliced into 1/4″ slices
1 large bundle asparagus, each stalk cut into thirds
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (use a store‑bought blend or homemade)
Directions
-
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a large sheet pan with cooking spray or line it with foil for easy cleanup.
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, sliced sausage, and all the vegetables. Pour in the olive oil and Cajun seasoning, and toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
-
Spread all of the ingredients except the shrimp in an even layer on the prepared sheet pan.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
-
Remove the sheet pan from the oven and add the seasoned shrimp on top of the vegetables and sausage. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes, until the shrimp are cooked through.
-
Remove from the oven and serve immediately, paired with rice if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 8
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
-
Protein swap: Use chicken, tofu, or turkey sausage for a different twist.
-
Veggie twist: Try mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or green beans in place of or alongside other vegetables.
-
Spice level: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to make it milder or spicier, or try Creole seasoning for a slightly different flavor.
-
Grill it: Grill the ingredients on skewers or in a grill basket instead of using the oven.
-
Serve it differently: Turn it into tacos, bowls with quinoa, or even a pasta toss for variety.
Storage/Reheating
To store leftovers, place cooled shrimp and sausage in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in the oven at a low temperature or in a skillet on the stovetop until warmed through. Avoid overcooking when reheating to keep the shrimp tender. You can also freeze this dish for up to 2–3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
What type of shrimp should I use?
Use peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp so they cook evenly with the vegetables. Smaller shrimp can be used but may require shorter cooking time.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, Andouille or Kielbasa both work well. You can also use smoked or turkey sausage for a lighter version.
Do I have to use Cajun seasoning?
Cajun seasoning gives the dish its signature flavor, but you can substitute with Creole seasoning or a custom spice blend if preferred.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, green beans, or broccoli all make great additions.
Is this dish spicy?
The spice level depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. If you prefer mild flavors, choose a mild seasoning or adjust the amount to your taste.
What should I serve this with?
This pairs well with rice (such as dirty rice or Cajun rice), pasta, or a simple green salad.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the seasoned shrimp and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Bake when ready to serve.
How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?
Add the shrimp partway through roasting, as directed, to avoid overcooking and keep them tender.
Can I grill this instead of roasting?
Yes, you can grill the ingredients on skewers or in a grill basket; just watch the shrimp closely, as they cook quickly.
Is this recipe gluten‑free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten‑free as long as the Cajun seasoning you choose does not contain gluten.
Conclusion
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage is an easy, delicious one‑pan meal that brings bold flavors and simple preparation together in under 30 minutes. With juicy shrimp, savory sausage, and crisp roasted veggies, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Whether you serve it on its own or over rice, this Cajun‑inspired dish is sure to become a favorite.
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage
This Cajun Shrimp and Sausage recipe is a quick, one-skillet dinner packed with bold Cajun flavors, succulent shrimp, smoky sausage, and vibrant vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, it delivers a spicy, hearty dish in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 14 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add bell peppers and onions to the skillet and sauté until tender, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the shrimp, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until shrimp are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir everything together.
- Cook for another 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to control the heat level.
- Use pre-cooked sausage to save time.
- Serve over rice, cauliflower rice, or pasta for a complete meal.
- This dish is great for meal prep and reheats well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1050mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
