Zesty Louisiana Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Bake Recipe

Sizzling Louisiana shrimp dancing with spicy sausage in a creamy pasta paradise that promises pure comfort.

Southern charm meets culinary magic in this hearty dish bursting with robust flavors.

Tender seafood mingles with smoky meat, creating an irresistible symphony of textures and tastes.

Vibrant seasonings whisper tales of bayou kitchens and home-cooked meals that warm your soul.

Each forkful promises a delightful journey through rich, bold ingredients that celebrate coastal cuisine.

Forget bland dinners and embrace this soulful recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary feast.

Prepare to be transported by a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs For Louisiana Shrimp And Sausage Pasta Bake

• What makes this Louisiana Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Bake special?

This dish combines classic Cajun flavors with a creamy, cheesy pasta bake. The blend of shrimp, sausage, and spicy seasonings creates a rich, hearty meal that brings the taste of Louisiana right to your dinner table.

• Is Cajun seasoning very spicy?

Cajun seasoning has a warm, slightly spicy flavor that adds depth without being overwhelming. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can adjust the amount or use a mild Cajun seasoning blend to control the spice level.

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! Andouille sausage is traditional, but you can substitute with smoked sausage, kielbasa, or any similar sausage you prefer. Each type will bring its own unique flavor to the dish.

• What can I do if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese. These alternatives will still provide a creamy texture to the sauce while keeping the dish rich and delicious.

Why People Can’t Get Enough Of Louisiana Shrimp And Sausage Pasta Bake

• Spice Up Your Dinner: Cajun seasoning transforms this pasta bake into a flavor explosion that'll make your taste buds dance with excitement.
• Protein Party on a Plate: Juicy shrimp and hearty sausage create a protein-packed meal that satisfies hunger and delivers maximum deliciousness in every single bite.
• Quick and Comforting Weeknight Win: This one-pan wonder comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy families craving a restaurant-quality meal without complicated cooking techniques.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Melted mozzarella and cheddar create a golden, gooey topping that turns this pasta bake into an irresistible comfort food masterpiece.

Everything Needed For Louisiana Shrimp And Sausage Pasta Bake

• Pasta: A comforting base that holds the rich sauce and proteins perfectly. Choose medium-sized pasta like penne or rigatoni for best sauce retention.

• Shrimp, Sausage: Protein-packed ingredients that bring Louisiana-style flavor and heartiness. Select large, fresh shrimp and spicy andouille sausage for authentic taste.

• Butter, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Creamy components that create a luxurious, rich sauce and cheesy topping. Use full-fat dairy for maximum flavor and smooth texture.

• Cajun Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper, Fresh Parsley, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Spices that bring depth, heat, and complexity to the dish. Choose a high-quality Cajun blend for authentic southern taste.

• Chicken Broth, Garlic: Flavor enhancers that add depth and aromatic base to the sauce. Use low-sodium broth for better control of saltiness.

Steps To Make Louisiana Shrimp And Sausage Pasta Bake

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Grab a big pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt. When the water bubbles wildly, drop in your pasta and cook until it’s just right – not too soft, not too hard. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its flavor adventure.

Step 2: Sizzle the Shrimp

Coat your shrimp with Cajun magic. Heat up a skillet until it’s smoking hot. Toss in a pat of butter and watch it dance. Slide in the shrimp and cook them until they turn a beautiful pink. They should curl up and look gorgeous. Scoop them out and let them rest.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage

In the same skillet, drop in your sausage slices. Let them sizzle and brown, creating those irresistible crispy edges. Once they look perfectly golden, transfer them to join the shrimp.

Step 4: Create a Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Parmesan cheese
• Cajun seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk everything together until the sauce becomes smooth and starts to thicken.

Step 5: Combine and Layer

• Cooked pasta
• Sizzled shrimp
• Browned sausage
• Creamy sauce

• Mozzarella cheese
• Cheddar cheese

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into a preheated oven. Watch the cheese melt and bubble. If you want extra golden edges, switch to broil for a quick minute.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy. Serve hot and watch everyone dive in with excitement!

Best Tips For Louisiana Shrimp And Sausage Pasta Bake

• Boost Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness when baking, ensuring a perfect bite every time.
• Control Seafood Tenderness: Remove shrimp from heat immediately after turning pink to prevent overcooking and maintain juicy, tender texture.
• Enhance Flavor Layers: Use the same skillet for sausage and sauce to capture delicious browned bits, creating deeper, more complex flavors.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, making the dish personalized and enjoyable.
• Quick Cheese Melt Trick: Broil briefly at the end for a golden, crispy cheese topping that adds irresistible texture and visual appeal.

How To Keep Louisiana Shrimp And Sausage Pasta Bake Good

• Refrigerate: Store the pasta bake in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 34 days.
• Cool Down: Let the dish reach room temperature before covering and placing in the refrigerator. This prevents condensation and maintains the pasta's texture.
• Reheat in Oven: Preheat the oven to 350F. Cover the pasta bake with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 1520 minutes until heated through, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Microwave Option: For a quick reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat in 3045 second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep the pasta moist and prevent rubbery texture.

Good Matches For Louisiana Shrimp And Sausage Pasta Bake

• Spark Spicy Sidekick: Pair this zesty Louisiana Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Bake with a crisp, cold Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the rich, spicy flavors and refreshes your palate.
• Brew Bold Companion: Match the dish with a hoppy, amber craft beer like an American pale ale or Louisiana-brewed Abita Amber, which complements the Cajun seasoning and smoky sausage notes.
• Creamy Cool Contrast: Serve alongside a tangy coleslaw with a light, vinegar-based dressing to balance the pasta's creamy sauce and provide a crunchy textural counterpoint.
• Fresh Herb Accent: Top the bake with extra fresh parsley or green onions to add brightness and a clean, peppery note that lifts the richness of the cheesy, meaty pasta.

Twists To Try On Louisiana Shrimp And Sausage Pasta Bake

• Seafood Spectacular: Replace shrimp with a mix of crawfish, crab, and scallops for a luxurious Gulf Coast seafood extravaganza that brings ocean flavors to your pasta.
• Vegetarian Comfort: Swap protein with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and plant-based sausage crumbles while maintaining the creamy Cajun sauce's bold seasonings.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Transform the dish by using chorizo instead of andouille, adding kalamata olives, and incorporating feta cheese for a Greek-inspired Mediterranean version.
• Spicy Cajun Fusion: Kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños, increasing Cajun seasoning, and mixing in pepper jack cheese for an extra fiery Southern-style experience.

Louisiana Shrimp And Sausage Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Louisiana shrimp and sausage pasta bake brings Cajun comfort straight to dinner tables. Hearty ingredients merge into one irresistible casserole that delivers bold Southern flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 0.5 pounds (226 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 0.5 pounds (226 grams) smoked sausage (e.g., andouille or kielbasa), sliced
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

Pasta and Cheese:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne or rigatoni pasta
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 0.5 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta foundation by bringing a generously salted water pot to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta until it reaches a tender al dente texture, then carefully drain and reserve for later assembly.
2. Season the delicate shrimp with robust Cajun spices. In a sizzling skillet, melt butter and quickly sear the shrimp until they transform into a vibrant pink hue. Extract the shrimp and set them aside temporarily.
3. Utilize the same skillet to caramelize the sausage slices, developing a rich golden-brown exterior that promises deep flavor complexity. Transfer the beautifully browned sausage to join the reserved shrimp.
4. Craft a luxurious cream sauce by gently sautéing minced garlic in residual butter. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, allowing the mixture to simmer softly. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, whisking until the sauce achieves a velvety consistency.
5. Combine the cooked pasta, succulent shrimp, and crisp sausage in a spacious mixing vessel. Enrobe the ingredients with the creamy sauce, ensuring every morsel is generously coated. Transfer the harmonious mixture into a prepared baking dish.
6. Lavishly sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheeses across the surface. Slide the dish into a preheated oven and bake until the cheese melts into a bubbling, golden landscape. For an extra crisp finish, activate the broiler briefly.
7. Elevate the presentation by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. Serve immediately, allowing the aromatic dish to entice your dining companions.

Notes

• Customize the Cajun seasoning blend to control the heat level, making it milder for sensitive palates or extra spicy for heat lovers.
• Swap shrimp with chicken or andouille sausage for a different protein variation that still captures the Louisiana flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free pasta to transform this dish into a celiac-friendly meal without compromising the rich, creamy texture.
• Prepare the pasta and protein components ahead of time for a quick weeknight dinner, storing separately in the refrigerator for up to two days before final assembly and baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Cajun/Creole

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg