Description
Spice up your dinner routine with this creamy, bold, and wildly satisfying Cajun Ranch Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Skillet. Packed with juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, colorful bell peppers, and pasta all tossed in a zesty Cajun-ranch cream sauce, this one-skillet wonder delivers serious flavor with minimal cleanup. It’s perfect as a quick dinner idea, a comforting family meal, or even an impressive dish for casual guests. Whether you’re craving a hearty easy recipe or searching for flavorful dinner ideas, this one’s got it all. Quick to make, loaded with protein, and layered with spicy, creamy, and savory goodness—it’s bound to become one of your favorite go-to food ideas.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 10 oz andouille sausage, sliced
- 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade mix)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of oil and sauté the shrimp with a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add bell pepper and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly soft. Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth or reserved pasta water, scraping up brown bits from the pan.
- Stir in cream, remaining Cajun seasoning, and ranch seasoning. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Return sausage and shrimp to the skillet, then add pasta. Stir to coat everything in sauce.
- Mix in Parmesan cheese and heat through for 1–2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.