Cajun Ranch Shrimp And Sausage Pasta Skillet

Wanna know what I make when I want big flavor fast? This Cajun Ranch Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Skillet. It’s spicy, creamy, and loaded with goodness.

The shrimp are juicy, the sausage is smoky, and the Cajun ranch sauce? So creamy with just the right kick. And it’s all in one skillet—easy clean-up, yes please.

Every bite’s got that bold Southern flavor. It’s rich, a little spicy, and totally comforting. I always make extra… but there’s never leftovers.

Let’s fire up the skillet and make this tonight. Trust me—it’s a total flavor party.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Wonder: Less mess and more flavor. It all cooks together for easy cleanup.
• Bold and Creamy: Cajun spice gives it heat, ranch gives it tang, and cream pulls it all together.
• Perfect Combo: Shrimp and sausage are the ultimate team—juicy, smoky, and filling.
• Ready in 30–40 Minutes: From chopping to serving, it’s simple and satisfying.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: About 40 minutes

Servings: Serves 4–6 hungry people. You can double it for a crowd—just use a deeper skillet.

Difficulty: Easy. You just need to stir, sauté, and simmer. No fancy tools or techniques.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large deep skillet or sauté pan with lid
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs (for shrimp)
• Colander (for pasta)

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this creamy Cajun ranch pasta skillet (exact amounts in the recipe card below).

Main Ingredients

• 8 oz. penne pasta – Holds sauce well; rotini or fettuccine also work
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For cooking the meat and vegetables
• 8 oz. smoked sausage, sliced – Andouille or kielbasa add a deep, smoky flavor
• 1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined – Medium or large shrimp work best

Vegetables & Seasonings

• 1 bell pepper, diced – Adds color and sweetness
• 1 small onion, chopped – Builds savory depth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Adds strong flavor
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning – Spicy and smoky
• 1 packet ranch dressing mix – Creamy, herby balance
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Creamy Sauce

• 1 cup chicken broth – Helps cook the pasta and deepen flavor
• 1 cup heavy cream – Makes the sauce rich and smooth

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped – Adds brightness before serving

Variations for Cajun Ranch Pasta

• Add Veggies: Throw in spinach or mushrooms to bulk it up.
• Swap the Meat: Use chicken instead of shrimp, or go all sausage.
• Make It Spicy: Add cayenne or sliced jalapeños if you want extra heat.
• Lighter Version: Swap cream for half-and-half or whole milk.
• Cheesy Twist: Stir in shredded cheddar or parmesan before serving

How to Make Cajun Ranch Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Skillet

Follow these simple steps for a creamy, spicy, one-pan dinner that comes together fast.

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente (firm but tender). Drain and set aside.

🔍 Tip: Save ½ cup of pasta water before draining in case you want to loosen the sauce later.

2. Sauté the Sausage and Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with the sausage.

🔍 Tip: Don’t overcook the shrimp—they’ll get rubbery. Cook just until they curl.

3. Sauté Veggies and Season

Reduce the heat to medium. Add chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning and ranch dressing mix. Stir everything so the veggies are coated in spices.

4. Make the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and stir well to deglaze the pan. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.

Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cooked pasta and combine until well-coated in the sauce.

🔍 Optional: Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.

5. Add Back the Protein

Return the cooked sausage and shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together gently to combine. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to heat through.

How to Serve Cajun Ranch Shrimp and Sausage Pasta

Serve it hot, right from the skillet. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Here are a few serving ideas:

• Crusty Bread: For scooping up extra sauce
• Simple Salad: A side of greens with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness
• Grated Parmesan: A light sprinkle can add an extra savory layer
• Lemon Wedges: For a zesty contrast if you want to brighten it up

Storing Cajun Ranch Shrimp and Sausage Pasta

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
• Freezer: Not ideal. Creamy sauces and shrimp can lose texture when frozen and reheated.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t overcook the shrimp. They only need a couple of minutes per side.
• Use smoked sausage. It adds bold flavor without extra steps.
• Stir gently at the end. Shrimp can break apart if over-mixed.
• Control the spice. Cajun seasoning varies by brand. Taste and adjust.
• For thicker sauce: Simmer a few extra minutes with the lid off. For thinner, add broth or saved pasta water.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~540 kcal
Protein	~30g
Carbohydrates	~45g
Fat	~28g
Saturated Fat	~12g
Fiber	~2g
Sodium	~1050mg

Note: These are estimates based on standard ingredients. Actual values may vary.

Cajun Ranch Pasta FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat them dry first so they don’t water down the sauce.

What if I don’t have ranch mix?
You can make a quick substitute using a mix of dried parsley, dill, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.

Is this really spicy?
It’s mildly spicy. For more heat, add cayenne or hot sauce. For less, use less Cajun seasoning or pick a mild blend.

Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Whole milk works best if you go that route.

Conclusion

This Cajun Ranch Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Skillet is creamy, spicy, and comforting. It brings together bold flavors and easy steps in one simple pan. It’s become a regular in our kitchen—and I bet it’ll become one in yours too.