Dairy-Free Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
This Dairy-Free Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender shrimp, smoky sausage, and a creamy coconut-based sauce infused with bold Cajun spices. Perfect for a weeknight meal, it combines easy stovetop cooking with gluten-free and dairy-free ingredients for a tasty twist on classic Cajun pasta.
- Author: Felix
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Spices
- 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 Cajun seasoning (pre-made)
Protein & Vegetables
- 14 ounces pre-cooked smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
Pasta & Liquids
- 12 ounces fettuccine (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can fire roasted tomatoes
- 2 1/4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup coconut cream (or cashew cream)
Garnish
- Chopped parsley for serving
- Prepare Cajun Seasoning: In a medium bowl, combine smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, cumin, and black pepper to create the cajun seasoning mix. Alternatively, use 1 1/2 tablespoons of pre-made cajun seasoning. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Sausage: Heat olive oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot and shimmering, add diced yellow onion and sliced smoked sausage. Cook, stirring often, until onions become soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Then add minced garlic and half of the cajun seasoning; cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Pasta: Pour in fire roasted tomatoes with their juice, chicken or vegetable broth, and uncooked fettuccine. Stir everything to combine well, then cover the skillet with a lid and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer, covered, for 11-12 minutes or according to pasta package instructions. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, toss the uncooked shrimp in the remaining cajun seasoning to coat thoroughly.
- Finish Cooking Shrimp and Cream Sauce: When pasta is nearly done and simmered through, stir in coconut cream and the seasoned shrimp. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through. Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately for a creamy, spicy, and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Cashew cream can be substituted for coconut cream as a dairy-free alternative.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control the spice level.
- Stir frequently while simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom.
- For a vegetarian version, omit sausage and shrimp, and add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
Keywords: Dairy-Free Cajun Shrimp Pasta, Creamy Cajun Pasta, Gluten-Free Cajun Pasta, Coconut Cream Shrimp Pasta, Spicy Cajun Pasta