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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced - 1 large red onion, cut into wedges - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, roughly chopped for garnish - Lemon wedges, for serving Each ingredient plays a key role in the dish. The shrimp should be large and fresh for the best taste. The smoked sausage adds a hearty flavor, while the bell peppers and onion bring sweetness and color. Use four cloves of garlic for a robust aroma. The olive oil helps everything brown nicely. Cajun seasoning is the star here, so don’t skimp. Smoked paprika adds depth, while salt and pepper enhance all flavors. You can switch things up if needed. Use chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter meal. If you want more heat, add cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning. For veggies, zucchini or asparagus work well too. If you don’t have fresh parsley, use dried or skip it. Lemon wedges are key for brightness, but lime can work too. {{ingredient_image_2}} Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps the shrimp and sausage cook well. A hot oven gives a nice roast. Heat it up while you prepare the other ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, sausage, and vegetables. Use 1 pound of shrimp that is peeled and deveined. Slice 1 pound of smoked sausage into pieces. Add sliced red and yellow bell peppers and cut a large red onion into wedges. Finally, mince 4 cloves of garlic and toss them in. This mix of flavors will make your dish pop! Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the mixture. Next, add 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Don’t forget to add salt and black pepper to taste. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything well. Make sure each piece is coated in oil and seasonings. This step is key for flavor! Bake the shrimp and sausage at 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps cook everything evenly. Aim for 20-25 minutes of baking time. This allows the shrimp to cook through and the sausage to heat up well. Look for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque. This change means they are cooked. The sausage should be hot throughout. Stir the mix halfway through. This helps with even cooking and caramelization. Spread the shrimp and veggies in one layer on the sheet pan. Avoid crowding the pan; this ensures all sides get roasted. Stirring halfway helps everything cook evenly. This simple step enhances the flavors and texture in each bite. Pro Tips Choose Your Sausage Wisely: Opt for a smoked sausage that complements the Cajun spices well. Chicken or turkey sausage is a lighter alternative that still provides great flavor. Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Spreading the shrimp and vegetables in a single layer allows for even roasting and caramelization, ensuring a perfectly cooked dish. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning used or add it gradually until you reach your desired spice level. Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Garnishing with freshly chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish's flavor profile. Don't skip this step! {{image_4}} To make your dish pop, use fresh herbs. Fresh parsley adds a bright touch. You can also try cilantro for a different twist. If you want more heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Lemon juice brightens the flavors too. Squeeze it over the dish before serving for a zing. Cook shrimp until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. Stir the mixture halfway through baking to ensure even cooking. This way, all the flavors blend nicely, giving you a tasty meal. Serve your dish on a large platter for a beautiful look. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color. Place lemon wedges around the platter. This makes it easy for guests to add a squeeze of lemon. For a fun touch, use colorful plates that match the vibrant veggies. Enjoy your meal! You can swap the shrimp for other proteins. Chicken breast works well and cooks nicely. You can also try firm white fish. For a vegetarian option, use tofu or tempeh. These options will still soak up the Cajun flavors. Feel free to change the veggies in this dish. Zucchini and cherry tomatoes add a fresh taste. Broccoli or snap peas can give you a nice crunch. You can even use sweet potatoes for a sweet touch. Just make sure your veggies cut evenly for even cooking. You can adjust the heat in this recipe. For a milder dish, use less Cajun seasoning. Adding a bit of honey can balance out the heat nicely. If you love spice, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce. This way, you can make it just right for your taste. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for a quick thaw. Using frozen shrimp may change the cooking time slightly. Check them often to avoid overcooking. To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze leftovers for up to three months. To reheat, use the oven for the best texture. Cajun shrimp and sausage go well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Rice: White or brown rice soaks up the flavors. - Cornbread: Sweet cornbread balances the spice. - Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw adds freshness. - Green salad: A light salad cools the heat. - Roasted vegetables: More roasted veggies add color and flavor. These sides will round out your meal and please your guests. In this blog post, I covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and cooking details for a Cajun shrimp and sausage dish. I shared tips for enhancing flavor and presented fun variations, including protein and spice options. Remember, using fresh ingredients and perfect roasting techniques will make your meal shine. Enjoy cooking and feel free to mix things up! Your cooking journey is about trying new tastes and having fun.

Spicy Sheet Pan Cajun Shrimp & Sausage

A flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring shrimp and sausage roasted with colorful vegetables and Cajun spices.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 unit red bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • 1 unit yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • 1 unit large red onion, cut into wedges
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste unit Salt and black pepper
  • for garnish unit Fresh parsley, roughly chopped
  • for serving unit Lemon wedges

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for roasting the shrimp and sausage.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp, sliced sausage, red and yellow bell peppers, red onion wedges, and minced garlic.
  • Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the mixture. Then, generously sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  • Use your hands or a spatula to toss all the ingredients together until everything is well-coated with the oil and seasonings. Make sure the shrimp and vegetables are evenly mixed with the spices.
  • Next, spread the mixture in a single layer across a large sheet pan, ensuring that the shrimp and veggies are not overcrowded for optimal roasting.
  • Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it: the shrimp should turn pink and opaque, while the sausage should be heated through. Stir the mixture halfway through the cooking time to allow for even roasting and caramelization.
  • Once cooked, carefully remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
  • Finish your dish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side, allowing everyone to squeeze a splash of zesty lemon over their plates for that extra burst of flavor.

Notes

For a lighter alternative, use chicken or turkey sausage.
Keyword Cajun, sausage, sheet pan, shrimp, spicy