There’s something magical about Cajun flavors—spicy, smoky, and full of soul—and when you pair them with creamy pasta and bubbling cheese, the result is pure comfort food heaven. This Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Pasta Bake is a dish that hits all the right notes: bold seasoning, hearty ingredients, and an ultra-creamy sauce that brings it all together.
Inspired by recipes shared in the CRENN RECIPES Facebook Group, this Southern-inspired casserole is the perfect way to shake up your dinner routine.
Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Pasta Bake
This Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Pasta Bake combines spicy, smoky, and creamy flavors in a crowd-pleasing casserole. Juicy shrimp, sausage, penne pasta, and cheesy Cajun cream sauce make this Southern-inspired dish the perfect comfort meal.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 50 min
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 lb penne pasta, cooked
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Boil penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook sliced sausage and shrimp over medium heat. Season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until shrimp are pink and sausage is browned (5–7 minutes). Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted into a creamy sauce.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, combine pasta, shrimp, sausage, and cream sauce. Mix well. Top with extra mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes or until bubbly and golden. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Nutrition
- Calories: 640 kcal
- Fat: 39 g
- Carbs: 42 g
- Protein: 33 g
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Facebook PinterestWhy This Pasta Bake is a Winner
This dish combines the richness of a creamy pasta casserole with the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine. The shrimp bring a fresh, ocean-kissed flavor, while the smoked sausage adds deep, savory notes. Toss in pasta and cheese, and you’ve got a one-pan meal that’s perfect for feeding the whole family—or impressing guests.
Best of all? It’s incredibly simple to make and comes together in under an hour.
Tips for Pasta Bake Success
- Customize the spice: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your heat preference. For extra kick, stir in a pinch of cayenne.
- Cheese choices: Mozzarella gives that perfect melt, but you can swap in Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for extra flavor.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: They only need a few minutes—look for that pink, opaque color.
Variations to Try
- Chicken Swap: Use diced cooked chicken in place of shrimp if you prefer.
- Veggie Add-ins: Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms make tasty and colorful additions.
- Low-carb twist: Try it with cooked spaghetti squash or cauliflower florets instead of pasta.
Perfect Pairings
- Garlic bread or buttery biscuits on the side
- A crisp Caesar salad or cucumber-tomato salad
- A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling lemonade
Q&A Section
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving and add 5–10 minutes to the cooking time if cold from the fridge.
Q: Can I freeze it?
You can freeze it after assembling, before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Q: What pasta works best?
Penne is perfect for holding sauce, but rotini, rigatoni, or even shells work great too.
