Dairy-Free Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Dairy-Free Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines smoky sausage, tender shrimp, and a rich, creamy sauce without any dairy. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something spicy yet easy to prepare.

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: Combine the smoked paprika, oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, cumin, and black pepper in a medium bowl to make the cajun seasoning. If using pre-made cajun seasoning, simply set it aside.
2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and smoked sausage. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 2–3 minutes. Add the garlic and half of the cajun seasoning; cook for another minute.
3. Step 3: Add the 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 the heat to medium-low and simmer for 11–12 minutes, or according to the 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 shrimp. Continue cooking until the shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through, about 3–5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use gluten-free pasta if you need to keep this dish gluten-free.
• For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
• Cashew cream is a great substitute for coconut cream if you prefer a less coconut-forward flavor.
• Feel free to add bell peppers or spinach for extra veggies.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Shrimp can become rubbery if overcooked during reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh shrimp works well. Just be sure to peel, devein, and pat it dry before seasoning and cooking as instructed.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a moderate level of heat thanks to the cayenne and cajun seasoning, but you can adjust the spiciness by reducing or omitting the cayenne pepper to suit your taste.

Dairy-Free Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 148 reviews

This Dairy-Free Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful, spicy dish combining smoky sausage, tender shrimp, and a creamy coconut sauce. It’s a comforting one-pot meal where fettuccine is cooked right in a rich tomato and broth base seasoned with homemade Cajun spices. Perfect for those seeking a dairy-free and gluten-free friendly pasta option packed with bold, southern-inspired flavors.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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. Make the Cajun Seasoning: In a medium bowl, mix together smoked paprika, oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, cumin, and black pepper. Alternatively, use 1 1/2 tablespoons store-bought Cajun seasoning. Set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics and Sausage: Heat olive oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add diced onion and sliced smoked sausage. Cook while stirring frequently until the onion is soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add minced garlic and half of the Cajun seasoning, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add Liquids and Pasta: Stir in the fire roasted tomatoes with their juice, chicken or vegetable broth, and uncooked fettuccine. Mix well to combine, then 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 directions. Stir occasionally as needed.
4. Prepare the Shrimp: While pasta cooks, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with the remaining half of the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
5. Finish Cooking: When the pasta is nearly done, stir in the coconut cream and seasoned shrimp. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve the creamy Cajun shrimp pasta immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Use gluten-free fettuccine to make this dish gluten-free.
• Coconut cream adds richness without dairy; cashew cream is a good alternative.
• Adjust cayenne pepper amount to control the spiciness.
• Make sure to stir the pasta often while cooking to prevent sticking.
• Pre-cooked smoked sausage adds smoky depth and saves cooking time.

Keywords: Dairy-Free Cajun Shrimp Pasta, Creamy Cajun Shrimp, Gluten-Free Pasta, One Pot Pasta, Cajun Seasoning, Coconut Cream Pasta, Spicy Shrimp Pasta