Spicy Southern Shrimp & Sausage Pasta Bake Recipe – A Zesty Treat!

Nestled in the heart of creole cuisine, this louisiana shrimp and sausage pasta bake sparks memories of vibrant New Orleans kitchens.

Spicy andouille sausage mingles with plump shrimp in a rich, cheesy sauce that promises pure comfort.

Each forkful bursts with southern charm and bold flavors that dance across your palate.

Layers of pasta catch every drop of the zesty sauce, creating a dish that feels like a warm culinary embrace.

The blend of seafood and smoky sausage delivers a hearty meal perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

Crisp breadcrumbs crown this decadent pasta, adding a delightful crunch to every bite.

Let this recipe transport you to the soulful streets of Louisiana with its irresistible blend of spice and satisfaction.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 590 kcal

Servings: 3

Ingredients For Louisiana Shrimp And Sausage Pasta Bake

• Pasta: Provides the hearty foundation for this zesty Louisiana-style dish, choose a shape that holds sauce well like penne or rigatoni.

• Shrimp, Andouille Sausage: Premium seafood and spicy sausage deliver authentic Cajun flavor and protein punch, select fresh, plump shrimp and high-quality smoked sausage for best results.

• Butter, Garlic, Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth, Parmesan Cheese: Creates luxurious, velvety sauce base with deep, rich undertones, use fresh garlic and aged Parmesan for maximum flavor complexity.

• Cajun Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Adds signature Louisiana heat and depth, choose a robust, authentic Cajun blend for genuine regional taste.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Provides gooey, golden crown to the dish, select sharp cheddar and low-moisture mozzarella for perfect melt and flavor.

• Fresh Parsley, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Brightens dish with herbal notes and optional extra heat, choose bright green parsley for vibrant color and freshness.

Cooking Tools For Louisiana Shrimp And Sausage Pasta Bake

• Large Pot: Perfect for boiling pasta with plenty of salted water.
• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking shrimp, sausage, and creating the creamy sauce.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Ideal for assembling and baking the pasta dish.
• Mixing Bowl: Great for combining pasta, proteins, and sauce before baking.
• Colander: Necessary for draining cooked pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Whisk: Helps blend sauce ingredients smoothly and prevent lumps.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for slicing sausage and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation.

How To Make Louisiana Shrimp And Sausage Pasta Bake

• Pasta Preparation

Boil water in a large pot and cook pasta until it reaches that perfect tender stage. Drain and set the noodles aside, ready for their flavor adventure.

• Shrimp Sizzle

Toss succulent shrimp with zesty Cajun spices. Melt butter in a hot skillet and cook shrimp until they transform into beautiful pink morsels. Remove and keep warm.

• Sausage Magic

In the same skillet, brown sausage slices until they develop a delicious caramelized exterior. Set aside with the shrimp.

• Creamy Sauce Creation

Reduce skillet heat and add butter. Introduce minced garlic, letting its aroma fill the kitchen. Pour in cream and broth, creating a luxurious base. Whisk in cheese and seasonings, allowing the sauce to become rich and velvety.

• Baking Ensemble

Combine pasta, shrimp, sausage, and sauce in a mixing bowl. Transfer to a baking dish and blanket with melted cheese.

• Golden Finish

Bake until cheese becomes molten and bubbly. For extra pizzazz, broil briefly to create a golden crust.

• Serving Celebration

Sprinkle with fresh herbs and optional pepper flakes. Serve piping hot and watch faces light up with joy.

Tips To Upgrade Louisiana Shrimp And Sausage Pasta Bake

• Spice Master's Shortcut: Keep extra Cajun seasoning on hand to adjust heat levels and customize the dish's intensity exactly to your liking. A pinch more can transform the entire flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Swap: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version that maintains the dish's rich, bold Louisiana-style flavor without compromising texture.
• Seafood Flexibility: No shrimp available? Substitute with chicken, crawfish, or even plant-based protein alternatives like seasoned tofu cubes to keep the spirit of the recipe alive while accommodating different dietary needs.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Choose dairy-free cheese alternatives for topping to create a completely lactose-free version that still delivers incredible depth of flavor.
• Meal Prep Magic: This pasta bake stores beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Pro tip: Reserve a little extra sauce when preparing to refresh the dish's moisture when reheating, ensuring it stays as delicious as the first serving.

Ways To Serve Louisiana Shrimp And Sausage Pasta Bake

• Gathering Glory: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish for a vibrant green pop that adds freshness and visual appeal to the Louisiana pasta bake.
• Sidekick Sensations: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta and cut through the hearty flavors of shrimp and sausage.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Select a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the spicy Cajun notes and creamy sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Bread Buddy Boost: Include warm, crusty French bread or garlic toast to soak up the delicious sauce and provide an extra texture contrast to the pasta bake.

How To Store Louisiana Shrimp And Sausage Pasta Bake

Keep your Louisiana Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Bake fresh and delicious with these expert tips.

• Refrigerator Rescue: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The creamy sauce and seafood combo stays tasty when properly chilled.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Portion the pasta bake into individual servings before freezing. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Enjoy within 2 months for best quality and flavor.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently in the oven at 350F. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and keep the pasta and seafood tender.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the entire dish ahead of time and refrigerate unbaked. When ready to serve, pop it directly into the preheated oven. This technique saves time and helps flavors meld beautifully.

Spicy Louisiana Shrimp And Sausage Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Succulent Louisiana shrimp and sausage pasta bake brings Cajun comfort to dinner tables with bold spices and rich flavors. Hearty ingredients meld perfectly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz (340 grams) penne or rigatoni pasta
• 0.5 lbs (226 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 0.5 lbs (226 grams) smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa), sliced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 0.5 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 0.25 tsp 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. Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Seafood and Protein Searing: Season shrimp with Cajun spices and sear in butter until pink. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, caramelize sausage slices until golden brown, then transfer with shrimp.
3. Sauce Creation: Sauté garlic in remaining butter, then introduce heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer and whisk in Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
4. Ingredient Fusion: Merge cooked pasta, shrimp, and sausage in a large bowl. Thoroughly coat with the velvety sauce, then transfer to a baking dish.
5. Cheese and Baking: Generously top with mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Bake in a preheated oven until cheese melts and turns golden. For an enhanced texture, briefly broil to create a crispy surface.
6. Final Touches: Garnish with chopped parsley and crushed red pepper flakes. Serve hot, allowing the rich aromas to tantalize guests.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness during baking, ensuring a perfectly textured final dish.
• Seafood Searing Secret: Remove shrimp from heat the moment they turn pink to avoid rubbery texture, preserving their delicate tenderness and sweet flavor.
• Spice Balance Strategy: Adjust Cajun seasoning gradually, tasting as you go to control heat level and prevent overwhelming the subtle seafood and sausage flavors.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Let cheese brown slightly under broiler for 1-2 minutes maximum to create a golden, crispy top without burning the delicate sauce.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg