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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare the Shrimp: While the pasta simmers, toss the uncooked shrimp with the remaining Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
