A spicy seafood feast ready in 20 minutes!
This Cajun sausage and shrimp skillet is a flavor explosion that’s ready in 20 minutes. With smoky Andouille, succulent shrimp, and bold Creole spices, it’s the ultimate quick dinner.
Perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave Southern heat, this recipe combines seafood, sausage, and veggies for a protein-packed meal. Serve it over rice or enjoy it solo!
The secret lies in the Cajun rub and quick cooking method—no marinating or prepping required. Just sauté, season, and serve!
Whether you’re a spice lover or just need a fast dinner, this skillet delivers bold flavor without the fuss.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Quick & Easy
Ready in 20 minutes with minimal prep. No marinating or complicated steps!
💰 Budget-Friendly
Uses affordable staples like sausage, shrimp, and bell peppers for maximum flavor at minimum cost.
👥 Family-Friendly
Everyone from kids to adults will love the balanced spice and hearty texture.
🌟 Flavor-Packed
Cajun spices, smoky sausage, and sweet shrimp create a symphony of Southern flavors.
20-Minute Cajun Sausage & Shrimp Skillet
A spicy seafood feast ready in no time!
🛒 Ingredients
- - 1 lb Andouille sausage, sliced
- - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- - 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- - 1 onion, sliced
- - 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- - 1 tbsp olive oil
- - 1 cup chicken broth
- - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- - 1 tsp hot sauce
- - Fresh parsley, chopped
👨🍳 Instructions
Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
💡 Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution.
Cook Sausage: Add sausage slices and cook until browned, 3-4 minutes.
💡 Remove sausage and set aside to keep it from overcooking.
Add Veggies: Add onions, bell peppers, and cook until softened, 3-4 minutes.
💡 Stir frequently to prevent burning.
Season: Add Cajun seasoning, Worcestershire, hot sauce, and chicken broth.
💡 Adjust heat to your spice preference.
Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.
💡 This thickens the sauce and melds flavors.
Add Shrimp & Sausage: Stir in shrimp and cooked sausage. Cook until shrimp turn pink.
💡 Cook shrimp just until firm—no longer than 2 minutes!
Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve over rice or solo.
💡 For extra spice, add a dash of hot sauce at the table.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Andouille Sausage
Provides smoky heat and bold flavor. Substitute with kielbasa or smoked sausage.
Substitutions: Smoked sausage, Italian sausage
Shrimp
Use peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience. Substitute with crawfish or chicken.
Substitutions: Crawfish, chicken, tofu
Cajun Seasoning
The heart of the spice. Make your own with paprika, cayenne, garlic, and thyme.
Substitutions: Gumbo mix, Old Bay seasoning
Bell Peppers
Add color and sweetness. Substitute with zucchini or mushrooms.
Substitutions: Zucchini, mushrooms, green beans
Worcestershire Sauce
Adds umami depth. Substitute with soy sauce or fish sauce.
Substitutions: Soy sauce, fish sauce
Pro Tips for Perfect Cajun Sausage & Shrimp Skillet
🔥 Spice Control
Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste. Start with 1 tbsp and add more if needed.
🍅 Acid Balance
Add a splash of lime juice at the end to brighten the flavors.
🍚 Make Ahead
Prepare ingredients up to a day ahead. Cook and reheat gently before serving.
🥄 Serving Suggestion
Serve with crusty bread or over steamed white rice to soak up the spicy sauce.
Variations & Customizations
Spicy Version
Add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or diced jalapeño for extra heat.
Vegan Option
Use vegan sausage and tofu instead of shrimp. Substitute Worcestershire with tamari.
Low-Carb Version
Skip the rice and serve over cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly option.
Seafood Swap
Replace shrimp with crawfish, crab meat, or scallops for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Steamed white rice to soak up the spicy sauce
- Crusty French bread for mopping up juices
- Garlic butter cornbread for a Southern twist
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a cold beer like a Southern Pilsner to balance the spice.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare ingredients up to a day ahead. Store in airtight containers in the fridge.
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet.
Freezer Storage
Freeze cooked mixture for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if the sauce is too thick.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, but thaw completely first to prevent steaming instead of searing.
Q: How to prevent the sauce from being too spicy?
A: Reduce Cajun seasoning to 1 tbsp and add a splash of milk or cream to mellow the heat.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and check sausage labels for gluten-containing additives.
Q: What if the sausage is too greasy?
A: Cook the sausage first, then spoon off excess fat before adding other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun sausage and shrimp skillet is a game-changer for quick, flavorful dinners. With bold spices, tender seafood, and smoky sausage, it’s a taste of Louisiana on your plate in minutes.
Whether you’re craving heat or just need a fast weeknight meal, this recipe delivers. Pin it for later and impress your family with Southern flair!
