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Cajun Shrimp Sausage Skillet

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By Evelyn Foster • February 15th, 2026
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet with pink shrimp andouille sausage and colorful bell peppers sizzling in a pan. Save
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet with pink shrimp andouille sausage and colorful bell peppers sizzling in a pan. | cookedcomfort.com

This dish combines succulent shrimp and smoky sausage with sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion, all tossed in bold Cajun seasoning. The ingredients are sautéed in olive oil until tender and infused with garlic and smoked paprika for a spicy, fragrant finish. Garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, it's a colorful, easy meal that comes together quickly in a single skillet. Perfect served with steamed rice or quinoa for a hearty Southern-inspired dinner.

The smell of andouille hitting a hot skillet takes me straight to my tiny apartment kitchen years ago, where I learned that Cajun cooking is all about confidence, not perfection. My roommate kept complaining about the smoke detector until she tasted what I made. Now this skillet is the one meal that disappears fastest whenever friends gather around my stove.

Last summer I made this for my dad who claims to hate spicy food. He went back for thirds and asked for the recipe before he even finished his plate. The vegetables get tender but still hold their texture while the shrimp stay plump.

Ingredients

  • Large shrimp: Fresh or thawed frozen works beautifully, just pat them dry before seasoning
  • Smoked andouille sausage: This brings the deep smoky backbone that makes the dish sing
  • Red and yellow bell peppers: They add sweetness and make the final dish look stunning
  • Zucchini: Slices hold their shape nicely and soak up all those spices
  • Red onion: Provides a mild bite that mellels beautifully as it cooks
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is nonnegotiable here for authentic depth
  • Cajun seasoning: Homemade or storebought, this is the flavor engine of the whole dish
  • Smoked paprika: Even if it says optional, this layer of smoke makes everything else pop
  • Fresh parsley: Brightens the rich flavors and makes it look like you tried harder than you did

Instructions

Prep the shrimp:
Toss shrimp in a bowl with olive oil and Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Let them hang out while you prep everything else.
Sear the sausage:
Get your skillet ripping hot and cook sausage slices until they develop gorgeous brown edges. Remove them but leave those flavorful drippings behind.
Cook the vegetables:
Toss peppers, zucchini and onion into the same hot pan. Stir occasionally until they soften but still have some crunch.
Add the aromatics:
Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. The garlic should become fragrant but do not let it brown or it will turn bitter.
Bring it together:
Return sausage to the pan and add seasoned shrimp. Cook just until shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 2 to 3 minutes max.
Finish and serve:
Squeeze fresh lemon over everything and scatter parsley on top. Serve immediately while the shrimp are still plump and juicy.
Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet served hot over steamed rice with fresh lemon wedges and parsley garnish. Save
Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet served hot over steamed rice with fresh lemon wedges and parsley garnish. | cookedcomfort.com

This recipe became a regular rotation when my sister started meal prepping. She makes a huge batch on Sunday and her coworkers actually ask what smells so amazing when she heats it up at the office.

Make It Your Own

The base formula works with whatever you have in the crisper drawer. I have used corn, cherry tomatoes, even leftover roasted potatoes and every version has been a hit.

What To Serve It With

Cauliflower rice lets the flavors shine without being heavy. Regular steamed rice works perfectly too, and crusty bread is never a bad idea for soaking up all those pan juices.

Storage And Reheating

Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium low heat instead of the microwave to keep the shrimp tender.

  • The vegetables release water as they sit so drain excess liquid before reheating
  • Add a fresh squeeze of lemon to brighten leftovers
  • Freezing works but the shrimp texture suffers so eat fresh if possible
One-pan Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet featuring smoky sausage tender shrimp and zucchini in a bold seasoning sauce. Save
One-pan Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet featuring smoky sausage tender shrimp and zucchini in a bold seasoning sauce. | cookedcomfort.com

Some nights the best meals are the ones that come together fast but still make people feel special at your table.

Recipe FAQs

Smoked andouille or kielbasa sausage provides a smoky flavor that complements the shrimp and spices well.

Yes, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can be added to increase the heat.

Red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion add color, crunch, and sweetness, balancing the smoky and spicy flavors.

Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, usually 2-3 minutes; avoid overcooking to keep them tender.

Serve with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa to make it a complete and satisfying meal.

Yes, if you use gluten-free sausage and check the seasoning labels to avoid hidden gluten.

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Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet with pink shrimp andouille sausage and colorful bell peppers sizzling in a pan.
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Cajun Shrimp Sausage Skillet

A vibrant one-pan meal with shrimp, sausage, peppers, zucchini, and bold Cajun spices for quick cooking.

Prep 15m
Cook 20m
Total 35m
Servings 4
Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

Seafood & Meats

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 12 oz smoked andouille or kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds

Vegetables

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium zucchini, halved and sliced
  • 1 small red onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning & Oils

  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1½ tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1
Season the Shrimp: In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Set aside to marinate while preparing the remaining ingredients.
2
Heat the Skillet: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3
Brown the Sausage: Add the sliced sausage to the hot skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes, until lightly browned on both sides. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.
4
Sauté Vegetables: Add bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion to the same skillet. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are just tender-crisp.
5
Add Aromatics: Add garlic, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the vegetables. Sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
6
Combine and Cook: Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until shrimp are pink and opaque throughout.
7
Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional Cajun seasoning or salt if desired. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Additional Information

Equipment Needed

  • Large skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Mixing bowl

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories 350
Protein 30g
Carbs 10g
Fat 20g

Allergy Information

  • Contains shellfish (shrimp)
  • May contain gluten if using regular sausage; choose gluten-free sausage if required
  • Check labels on Cajun seasoning and sausage for hidden allergens
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Evelyn Foster

Home cook sharing easy, nourishing recipes and helpful kitchen tips for everyday family meals.