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Dairy-Free Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

4.5 from 121 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Season Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, toss the uncooked shrimp in the remaining cajun seasoning to coat thoroughly.
  5. 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.
  6. 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