Cajun Ranch Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Skillet

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Spicy, creamy, and irresistibly hearty, the Cajun Ranch Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Skillet is a soul-warming dish that brings the bold flavors of Louisiana right to your dinner table. This one-skillet wonder combines succulent shrimp, smoky sausage, and seasoned ground beef tossed with rotini pasta in a velvety Cajun ranch cream sauce. It’s the kind of comfort food that doesn’t just satisfy your appetite—it wakes up your taste buds.

Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this dish is a crowd-pleaser and shockingly simple to make. Each bite delivers a balance of heat, creaminess, and richness that makes it hard to resist going back for seconds. Plus, with everything cooked in one pan, cleanup is a breeze—a delicious bonus.

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Ingredients for Cajun Ranch Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Skillet

• 12 oz rotini pasta
• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1/2 lb smoked sausage (sliced)
• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tbsp ranch seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp butter
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

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Step 2: Brown the Meats

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Start by browning the sliced smoked sausage until it gets a deep caramelized color on the edges, about 3–4 minutes. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Drain excess grease if needed, then set the beef aside with the sausage.

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Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp

Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Toss in the shrimp along with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Remove and add to the plate with the meats.

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Step 4: Build the Sauce

Melt the butter in the skillet and add the diced onions. Sauté until translucent, then stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the heavy cream, ranch seasoning, and remaining Cajun seasoning. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

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Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked sausage, ground beef, and shrimp to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and stir to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Sprinkle in the shredded Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and fully incorporated. Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Cajun spice if needed.

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Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Turn off the heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot directly from the skillet.

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Cajun Ranch Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Skillet tasting fresh, follow these simple storage tips:

• Refrigerator: Transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making for a delicious next-day meal.
• Freezer: For longer storage, place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Note: shrimp texture may slightly change after freezing.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (approx. 1.5 cups):

• Calories: 580
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 980mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and ingredient measurements used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of shrimp works best for this recipe?

Use medium to large peeled and deveined shrimp. Fresh or frozen (thawed) both work well.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine can be substituted depending on what you have on hand.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a gentle kick thanks to the Cajun seasoning, but you can increase or decrease the heat by adjusting the amount used.

Can I leave out the sausage or ground beef?

Yes, you can use just shrimp or substitute with chicken or turkey for a lighter option.

What if I don’t have ranch seasoning?

You can make a quick DIY version with garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, parsley, and salt.

How do I make this dish dairy-free?

Swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream and omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Can I prep this meal ahead of time?

Yes! Cook the meats and pasta ahead, then simply reheat and combine with the sauce when ready to serve.

What’s the best skillet to use?

A large cast iron or non-stick skillet works best to accommodate all ingredients and maintain even heat.

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