Louisiana shrimp and sausage pasta bake is a comforting, flavor-packed dish inspired by the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine. Tender shrimp, smoky sausage, and pasta are baked together in a creamy, spicy sauce, then topped with melty cheese for a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Cajun flavors: Smoky, spicy, and creamy all in one dish.
- Perfect for gatherings: Great for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.
- Customizable: Add vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Comfort food at its best: Cheesy, creamy, and filling.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Pasta Bake:
- Penne or rigatoni pasta
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Andouille sausage or smoked sausage, sliced
- Olive oil or butter
- Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- Garlic, minced
- Bell peppers, diced (optional)
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- All-purpose flour (for thickening)
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh parsley or green onions
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Directions
Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Shrimp and Sausage:
- Season the shrimp:
- Toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- Sear the sausage:
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp:
- In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- Sauté garlic and vegetables:
- Add more oil or butter if needed. Sauté the minced garlic and diced bell peppers (if using) for 1-2 minutes.
- Prepare the cream sauce:
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, cooking until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Add cheese and seasoning:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, additional Cajun seasoning to taste, and salt and black pepper.
Assemble the Bake:
- Combine ingredients:
- Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, sausage, and sauce to a large mixing bowl. Toss until evenly coated.
- Transfer to baking dish:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the pasta mixture. Spread evenly.
- Top with cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
Bake:
- Bake the pasta:
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
- Garnish and enjoy:
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Vegetable addition: Add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Spicy boost: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce for more heat.
- Seafood mix: Add scallops or crawfish for a seafood medley.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and flour substitutes.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze the unbaked pasta bake in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, add pre-cooked shrimp during the final baking step to prevent overcooking.
2. What’s the best sausage for this dish?
Andouille sausage is traditional, but smoked sausage or kielbasa work well too.
3. How do I make it less spicy?
Use a mild Cajun seasoning or reduce the amount. Skip the red pepper flakes for a milder version.
4. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce may be thinner. Add a little more flour to help thicken it.
5. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the pasta bake up to 1 day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
6. What cheese works best?
Mozzarella provides a gooey texture, but sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère can also be used.
7. Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, ziti, bowtie, or rigatoni work just as well as penne or rotini.
8. How do I prevent the dish from drying out?
Cover with foil while baking, removing it for the last 5 minutes to brown the cheese.
9. What pairs well with this pasta bake?
Serve with garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
10. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze individual portions in airtight containers. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or microwave.
Conclusion
Louisiana shrimp and sausage pasta bake is a bold, cheesy, and hearty dish that’s easy to make and full of Cajun-inspired flavors. With its combination of tender shrimp, smoky sausage, and creamy pasta, this dish is perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining guests. Customize it with your favorite add-ins and enjoy a taste of Louisiana comfort!
PrintLouisiana Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Bake
This Louisiana Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Bake is a bold and comforting dish packed with Cajun flavors. Juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and tender pasta are tossed in a creamy, spiced sauce, then baked to golden perfection. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired
Ingredients
For the Protein:
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb smoked sausage (e.g., andouille or kielbasa), sliced
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust for spice)
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Bake:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season and Cook the Shrimp:
- Toss the shrimp with 1 tsp Cajun seasoning.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp of butter. Cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage:
- In the same skillet, add the sliced sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside with the shrimp.
- Make the Sauce:
- Lower the heat to medium and melt the remaining 1 tbsp butter in the skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Whisk in the Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Assemble the Bake:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp, sausage, and sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden crust, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra veggies, add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or spinach to the dish.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.