Dairy-Free Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Dairy-Free Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines smoky sausage, tender shrimp, and a rich, creamy sauce without any dairy. Perfect for spice lovers looking for a comforting, easy-to-make meal.

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 pound uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup coconut cream (or cashew cream)
• Chopped parsley for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the cajun seasoning by combining smoked paprika, oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, cumin, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Alternatively, use 1 1/2 tablespoons of pre-made cajun seasoning. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add diced onion and sliced smoked sausage. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add minced garlic and half of the cajun seasoning, cooking for another minute.
3. Step 3: Add fire roasted tomatoes with their juice, broth, and uncooked pasta to the pan. Stir well to combine. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce to medium-low and simmer for 11-12 minutes, or according to pasta package directions, stirring every few minutes.
4. Step 4: While the pasta cooks, toss the shrimp with the remaining cajun seasoning to coat evenly.
5. Step 5: When the pasta is nearly done, stir in the coconut cream and seasoned shrimp. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for gluten sensitivities.
• Swap cashew cream for coconut cream if preferred for a milder flavor.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the dish’s heat level.
• Add bell peppers or spinach for extra veggies and color.
• Use pre-made cajun seasoning for a quicker prep time without mixing spices.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned fire roasted tomatoes?

Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes. Roast or sauté them beforehand to develop flavor, and use about 1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes with a splash of water or broth to replace the canned tomatoes and juice.

Is this recipe spicy?

This dish has a moderate spice level from the cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper but can be adjusted by reducing or increasing the amount of cayenne used, making it suitable for various spice preferences.

Dairy-Free Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 116 reviews

This Dairy-Free Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and comforting one-pot meal featuring smoky sausage, tender shrimp, and a creamy coconut-based sauce with a spicy Cajun kick. Perfect for a quick dinner that’s dairy-free and packed with vibrant, bold flavors.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun
• Diet: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

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Spices and Seasoning

• 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 (pre-made)

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 (gluten-free if needed)
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can fire roasted tomatoes
• 2 1/4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 pound uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup coconut cream or cashew cream
• Chopped parsley for garnish

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, or use 1 1/2 tablespoons of pre-made Cajun seasoning. Set aside.
2. Sauté Onions and Sausage: Heat olive oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the diced yellow onion and smoked sausage slices. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add minced garlic and half of the Cajun seasoning mixture and cook for an additional minute to release the flavors.
3. Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the fire roasted tomatoes with their juice and the chicken or vegetable broth. Add the uncooked fettuccine to the pot and stir well to combine all ingredients. Cover with a lid and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 11-12 minutes or according to the pasta package instructions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Season the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, toss the uncooked shrimp with the remaining half of the Cajun seasoning to coat evenly. This will infuse the shrimp with bold flavors.
5. Finish Cooking the Pasta and Shrimp: When the pasta is nearly finished cooking, stir in the coconut cream and add the seasoned shrimp directly to the pot. Stir gently to combine and continue cooking until the shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Serve: Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the pot from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free fettuccine.
• If coconut cream is unavailable, cashew cream is a great dairy-free alternative.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the spice level.
• Stir the pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• Using pre-cooked smoked sausage saves cooking time and adds smoky flavor.

Keywords: Cajun shrimp pasta, dairy-free pasta recipe, creamy shrimp pasta, gluten-free shrimp pasta, one-pot Cajun pasta, coconut cream pasta, spicy shrimp pasta