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Flavorful Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet with Bold Spices

Cajun shrimp and sausage skillet - featured image

A quick and easy skillet meal combining smoky sausage, juicy shrimp, and vibrant bell peppers with a homemade Cajun spice blend for bold, satisfying flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds (kielbasa or andouille preferred)
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and kosher salt. Stir well and set aside.
  2. Slice bell peppers and onion into thin strips. Peel and devein shrimp if needed. Slice smoked sausage into 1/2-inch rounds. Mince garlic cloves.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and slightly crispy. Remove sausage and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add remaining tablespoon of olive oil and butter. Add sliced onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until veggies are tender and fragrant.
  5. Sprinkle half of the Cajun spice mix over the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Add shrimp to the skillet with the veggies and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  6. Return cooked sausage to the skillet. Sprinkle remaining Cajun seasoning over the entire skillet and stir gently to combine. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to let flavors meld and heat through.
  7. Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture; watch for pink color and opaque flesh. If skillet gets dry, add a tablespoon of chicken broth or water. Slice sausage evenly for uniform cooking. Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp, sausage skillet, spicy shrimp recipe, easy weeknight dinner, bold spices, smoked sausage, quick skillet meal