Dairy-Free Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare the Shrimp: While pasta cooks, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with the remaining half of the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- 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.
- 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