Name: Spicy Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 12 oz andouille or smoked sausage, sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter; 2 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), sliced; 1 medium onion, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 cup chicken broth or shrimp stock; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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This Spicy Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Skillet combines succulent shrimp and smoky sausage in a vibrant, spicy sauce with peppers, onions, and bold Cajun seasoning. It’s a one-pan, comforting dish that delivers a flavorful kick perfect for weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quickly and easily this skillet comes together, yet the flavor is big and bold. The shrimp stay tender, and the sausage adds a savory depth. With peppers and onions, it feels hearty and colorful. Plus, it’s low-fuss cleanup, high-satisfaction cooking—exactly what I crave when I want something spicy, tasty, and simple.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Shrimp, peeled and deveined
Andouille or smoked sausage, sliced
Olive oil or butter
Bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), sliced
Onion, sliced
Garlic, minced
Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper)
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Chicken broth or shrimp stock
Lemon juice
Fresh parsley, chopped

directions

Season shrimp: In a bowl, toss shrimp with half the Cajun seasoning.
Cook sausage: Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage slices and cook until browned, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Sauté veggies: In the same skillet, add peppers and onion. Sauté until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.
Add seasoning: Return sausage to the pan, sprinkle remaining Cajun seasoning and optional red pepper flakes over veggies and sausage, stirring to coat.
Simmer shrimp: Pour in broth or stock, bringing the skillet to a simmer. Add seasoned shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Finish & serve: Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve straight from the skillet—ideally over rice, grits, or with crusty bread.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.

Preparation time: about 10 minutes
Cook time: approximately 15–18 minutes
Total time: around 25–28 minutes

Variations

Spice level: Increase cayenne or red pepper flakes for more heat; reduce seasoning for milder taste.
Protein swap: I sometimes replace shrimp with scallops or chunked chicken.
Veggie additions: I’ve added zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or okra for extra color and flavor.
Creamy finish: Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk at the end for a richer sauce.

storage/reheating

Storage: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: I don’t freeze this dish—shrimp texture changes after freezing; I’ll freeze sausage separately if needed.
Reheating: I gently reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth to freshen the sauce. Microwave works in short bursts, stirring between to even heat.

FAQs

Can I use raw shrimp or precooked shrimp?

I recommend raw shrimp for best texture—precooked shrimp can become rubbery when reheated.

Which sausage works best?

I prefer andouille or smoked kielbasa for their robust, smoky flavor, but any smoked sausage works well.

How spicy is this dish?

It has a medium level of heat by default—I add extra red pepper flakes or cayenne when I’m craving a real kick.

What should I serve with it?

I love it over white rice, creamy grits, or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Can I make it ahead?

I sometimes prep the veggies and seasoning in advance. I cook shrimp fresh, then stir everything together just before serving.

Conclusion

My Spicy Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Skillet is a quick and lively one-pan meal full of bold flavor, colorful veggies, and hearty protein. It’s got the heat, the convenience, and the comfort I crave on a weeknight. I hope you enjoy cooking and serving this zesty, satisfying skillet as much as I do!