Dairy-Free Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Season the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, toss the raw shrimp in the remaining cajun seasoning to coat evenly.
- 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.
- 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
