Dairy-Free Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Dairy-Free Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners. It combines smoky spices, tender shrimp, and a creamy coconut-based sauce for a delicious twist on a classic Cajun favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• OR 1 1/2 tablespoons cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 14 ounces pre-cooked smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 ounces fettuccine (gluten-free if needed)
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can fire roasted tomatoes
• 2 1/4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 lb uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup coconut cream (or cashew cream)
• Chopped parsley for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine smoked paprika, oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, cumin, and black pepper to make the cajun seasoning. Alternatively, use pre-made cajun seasoning instead.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced yellow onion and sliced smoked sausage, cooking and stirring frequently until the onion is soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and half of the cajun seasoning, cooking for another minute.
3. Step 3: Pour in the fire roasted tomatoes with their juice, broth, and uncooked pasta. Stir everything together, cover with a lid, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 11-12 minutes or according to pasta package instructions, stirring occasionally.
4. Step 4: While pasta cooks, toss the shrimp with the remaining cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
5. Step 5: When the pasta is nearly done, stir in the coconut cream and seasoned shrimp. Cook for 3-5 minutes until shrimp turn opaque and are fully cooked through. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage and shrimp with mushrooms or firm tofu and use vegetable broth.
• Adjust the level of cayenne pepper to make the dish milder or spicier according to your taste.
• Using gluten-free pasta keeps this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing texture.
• Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can be added alongside parsley for a fresh twist.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before seasoning and cooking to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.

Is coconut cream necessary in this recipe?

Coconut cream adds a rich, dairy-free creaminess, but you can substitute with cashew cream or a non-dairy heavy cream alternative if preferred.

Dairy-Free Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 139 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Dairy-Free

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Description

This Dairy-Free Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a creamy coconut-based Cajun sauce, combined with smoky sausage, fire-roasted tomatoes, and perfectly cooked fettuccine. The recipe uses a homemade or store-bought Cajun seasoning blend and delivers a rich, spicy meal that’s dairy-free and easily adaptable to gluten-free diets. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleaser that balances hearty protein, bold spices, and creamy textures without the dairy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cajun Seasoning

• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• OR 1 1/2 tablespoons pre-made Cajun seasoning

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 14 ounces pre-cooked smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 ounces fettuccine (use gluten-free if needed)
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can fire roasted tomatoes, with juice
• 2 1/4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 lb uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup coconut cream (or cashew cream)
• Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Cajun Seasoning: In a medium bowl, combine smoked paprika, oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, cumin, and black pepper. Alternatively, use 1 1/2 tablespoons of pre-made Cajun seasoning. Set the seasoning mixture aside for later use.
2. Sauté Onion and Sausage: Heat olive oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Add diced yellow onion and sliced smoked sausage. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add Garlic and Half the Cajun Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and half of the prepared Cajun seasoning. Cook together for about 1 minute to release the flavors and aromas.
4. Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Pasta: Pour in the fire roasted tomatoes with their juice and the chicken or vegetable broth. Add the uncooked fettuccine and stir everything to combine well.
5. Cook the Pasta: Cover the skillet or pot with a lid and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer with the lid on for 11 to 12 minutes, or according to the pasta package instructions. Stir occasionally every few minutes to prevent sticking.
6. Prepare the Shrimp: While the pasta simmers, toss the uncooked shrimp with the remaining Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
7. Add Coconut Cream and Shrimp: When the pasta is nearly done, stir in the coconut cream and the seasoned shrimp into the skillet. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
8. Cook the Shrimp: Allow the shrimp to cook in the simmering sauce until they turn opaque and are cooked through, about 3 to 5 minutes.
9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh finish, and serve the creamy Cajun shrimp pasta immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free fettuccine or pasta of choice.
• If unable to find coconut cream, cashew cream can be substituted for a similar creamy texture.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control the heat level based on personal preference.
• Pre-cooked smoked sausage adds a smoky depth; choose your favorite variety for best flavor.
• Keep stirring the pasta during cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy sauce and tender shrimp at their peak.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun

Keywords: Cajun shrimp pasta, dairy-free pasta recipe, creamy shrimp pasta, spicy Cajun pasta, gluten-free Cajun pasta, coconut cream pasta, smoked sausage pasta