Print

Dairy-Free Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

4.6 from 120 reviews

This Dairy-Free Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta offers a flavorful, spicy, and creamy meal that combines smoky Cajun spices, tender shrimp, and a rich coconut cream sauce over fettuccine pasta. It’s perfect for a comforting dinner that’s free from dairy yet full of taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Spice Mix

  • 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 (pre-made)

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cajun Seasoning: Combine smoked paprika, oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, cumin, and black pepper in a medium bowl if making your own cajun seasoning. Alternatively, use 1 1/2 tablespoons of pre-made Cajun seasoning and set aside.
  2. Sauté Onion and Sausage: Heat olive oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot and shimmering, add diced yellow onion and sliced smoked sausage. Cook, stirring often, until the onion becomes soft and translucent (about 2-3 minutes). Add minced garlic and half of the cajun seasoning, cooking for 1 more minute to release the flavors.
  3. Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the fire roasted tomatoes with their juice, chicken or vegetable broth, and uncooked fettuccine. Stir to combine ingredients. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 11-12 minutes or according to pasta package instructions. Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking.
  4. Season the Shrimp: While pasta cooks, toss shrimp with the remaining half of the cajun seasoning to coat evenly, infusing the shrimp with spice.
  5. Finish Cooking Shrimp and Cream: When the pasta is nearly cooked, stir in coconut cream and the seasoned shrimp. Cook, stirring occasionally, until shrimp turn opaque and are fully cooked (approximately 3-5 minutes). Remove from heat.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh finish and serve the creamy Cajun shrimp pasta immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • You can substitute the coconut cream with cashew cream if you prefer a different dairy-free option.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free friendly.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper amount based on your preferred spice level.
  • Ensure shrimp are fully cooked and opaque before serving to avoid undercooked seafood.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat gently on stovetop.

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