Description
This Cajun Ranch Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Skillet is a flavorful and hearty one-pan meal combining succulent shrimp, smoky sausage, and optional ground beef. Tossed with rotini pasta in a creamy ranch and heavy cream sauce seasoned with Cajun spices, paprika, and garlic, this dish delivers a perfect balance of spicy and creamy in every bite. Quick to prepare in about 40 minutes, it’s ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner that serves six.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1/2 lb ground beef (optional)
Pasta
- 2 cups rotini pasta
Seasonings & Spices
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt, to taste
Oils & Dairy
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil the rotini pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside to be added later.
- Brown Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Ground Beef (Optional): In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook until fully browned. Drain excess fat if necessary, then remove and set aside with the sausage.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet. Add the peeled shrimp along with Cajun seasoning and paprika. Cook until shrimp turn pink and are opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Make Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. In the same skillet, pour in the ranch dressing and heavy cream. Stir well, then add garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and dried parsley. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked pasta, sausage, ground beef, and shrimp to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Add Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the skillet contents and adjust salt seasoning to taste. If using shredded mozzarella or cheddar, sprinkle it on top. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt over medium-low heat for a few minutes.
Notes
- You can omit the ground beef for a simpler sausage and shrimp version.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your desired spice level.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer a bit longer before adding pasta and proteins back in.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free if desired.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
