Dairy-Free Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Dairy-Free Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. It combines spicy Cajun seasoning with tender shrimp and a rich dairy-free cream sauce, all tossed with tender fettuccine for a delicious twist on a Southern classic.

Ingredients

• 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
• 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 serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine smoked paprika, oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, cumin, and black pepper to make the Cajun seasoning. Alternatively, use 1 1/2 tablespoons of pre-made Cajun seasoning. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add diced onion and smoked sausage. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add minced garlic and half of the Cajun seasoning; cook for another minute.
3. Step 3: Stir in fire roasted tomatoes with juice, broth, and uncooked pasta. Mix well, 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 instructions. Stir every few minutes.
4. Step 4: While the pasta cooks, toss shrimp with the remaining Cajun seasoning to coat evenly.
5. Step 5: When pasta is almost done, stir in coconut cream and seasoned shrimp. Cook until shrimp turn opaque, about 3-5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder dish, reduce the cayenne pepper or choose a mild Cajun seasoning blend.
• Swap coconut cream with cashew cream for a different nutty flavor without dairy.
• Use gluten-free fettuccine if avoiding gluten.
• Add sautéed bell peppers or spinach for extra veggies and color.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh Cajun seasoning instead of the individual spices?

Yes, using 1 1/2 tablespoons of pre-made Cajun seasoning works perfectly and saves time without sacrificing flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for dairy-free diets?

Absolutely. This recipe uses coconut cream (or cashew cream) instead of dairy cream to keep it creamy and dairy-free.

Dairy-Free Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 82 reviews

This Dairy-Free Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and creamy dish that features smoky sausage, spicy cajun-seasoned shrimp, and tender fettuccine cooked in a rich coconut cream sauce. Perfect for those seeking a dairy-free, comforting meal packed with bold Southern-inspired flavors.

• Author: Tim
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southern American
• Diet: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

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Spices and Seasonings

• 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

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 lb uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup coconut cream (or cashew cream)
• Chopped parsley, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare Cajun Seasoning: In a medium bowl, combine smoked paprika, oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, cumin, and black pepper to make your cajun seasoning. Alternatively, you can use 1 1/2 tablespoons of pre-made cajun seasoning. Set aside.
2. Sauté Onion and Sausage: Heat olive oil in a deep skillet or dutch oven over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add diced yellow onion and sliced smoked sausage. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion turns soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add minced garlic and half of the prepared cajun seasoning; cook for an additional minute to release the aromas.
3. Cook Pasta in Sauce: Pour in the fire roasted tomatoes with their juice, chicken or vegetable broth, and add the uncooked fettuccine. Stir everything together and cover with a lid. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low to simmer for 11-12 minutes, or according to package instructions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Season the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, toss the raw shrimp in the remaining cajun seasoning to coat evenly.
5. Finish Cooking Shrimp and Combine: When pasta is nearly done, stir in the coconut cream and the seasoned shrimp. Cook, stirring gently, until shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through, about 3-5 minutes. Avoid overcooking to keep shrimp tender.
6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

• To keep this dish dairy-free, use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of traditional dairy cream.
• Gluten-free fettuccine can be substituted if needed for gluten intolerance.
• Be cautious with the amount of cayenne pepper if you prefer less heat.
• Stir the pasta regularly while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
• You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version and omit the sausage and shrimp, substituting with plant-based protein if desired.

Keywords: Dairy-Free Cajun Pasta, Cajun Shrimp, Creamy Shrimp Pasta, Gluten-Free Cajun Pasta, Coconut Cream Pasta