Spicy Sheet Pan Cajun Shrimp & Sausage

$- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced - 1 red onion, cut into wedges - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 3 tablespoons olive oil To start, you need fresh shrimp. Use large shrimp for the best taste. They should be peeled and deveined for quick cooking. Next, grab some smoked sausage. I prefer chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter meal, but regular sausage works well too. Bell peppers add color and crunch. I like a mix of red and yellow. They bring sweetness to the dish. The red onion adds a nice flavor too. Garlic is a must for depth. It makes everything taste better. Finally, don’t forget the olive oil. It helps the shrimp and sausage cook evenly. - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish - Lemon wedges for serving Seasonings transform this dish. Cajun seasoning gives it that classic kick. Paprika adds a bit of smokiness. Use salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors. For garnish, fresh parsley brightens up your dish. It adds a pop of color. Lemon wedges are great for serving. A squeeze of lemon brings out the flavors even more. You can adjust the seasoning to your liking. Make it spicier or milder, depending on your taste! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps the dish cook evenly. Next, grab a large bowl. Combine the shrimp, sliced sausage, bell peppers, red onion, and minced garlic. Make sure everything is mixed well. This mix will be the star of your meal. Now, it’s time to add flavor. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the mixture. This will help everything roast nicely. Next, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Toss everything together until each piece is coated well. The shrimp and sausage will soak up those delicious flavors. Spread the mixture evenly across a large sheet pan. This allows for even cooking. Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes. You want the shrimp to turn pink and opaque. The sausage should be heated through. Stir halfway through cooking for best results. This ensures all ingredients cook evenly. When done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a zesty kick. To avoid overcooking shrimp, watch the color closely. Cook shrimp until they turn pink and opaque. This should take about 10 minutes. Overcooked shrimp can get tough. Stir the mixture halfway through cooking. This ensures even cooking and great flavor. You can boost flavor by adding extra spices. A bit of cayenne pepper can add heat. If you prefer less spice, cut back on the Cajun seasoning. Tailor the spice level to what you enjoy. Always taste as you go to find the right balance. Garnish your dish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It adds a nice touch and fresh flavor. Serve lemon wedges on the side. A squeeze of lemon brightens the dish. It also enhances the shrimp's taste beautifully. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Shrimp: Always opt for fresh or frozen shrimp rather than pre-cooked to ensure the best texture and flavor in your dish. Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your heat preference. You can add more for a spicier kick! Mix Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or asparagus for extra color and nutrition. Serve with Dipping Sauce: Consider serving with a spicy remoulade or garlic aioli for a delicious dipping option alongside your shrimp and sausage. {{image_2}} You can switch the sausage in this dish. Chicken or turkey sausage works great. They add a lighter touch and still pack a punch. If you want a vegetarian option, use tofu instead. Just press the tofu first. Then, cut it into cubes to soak up all the flavors. Feel free to play with the colors of bell peppers. Green, orange, or even purple peppers can brighten your dish. You can also add zucchini or corn for extra crunch. Both veggies pair well with Cajun spices and add more nutrition. Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to spice things up. You can also try different seasoning blends. Old Bay, Creole, or even a taco seasoning can give a fresh taste. Experimenting with flavors keeps this dish exciting! To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the dish first. This helps keep the shrimp and sausage fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you reheat, use low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. To maintain freshness, try to keep the shrimp and sausage separate from the veggies. This way, the veggies stay crisp. You can also add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors when you reheat. For freezing, use a freezer-safe container or bag. It's best to freeze the shrimp and sausage without the vegetables. This keeps the texture better. Store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat the dish in the oven or a pan on low heat. This ensures everything warms evenly. Just remember, don’t rush the reheating process! It takes about 20 to 25 minutes to cook shrimp in a sheet pan. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque when they are done. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Stir the dish halfway through cooking for even heat. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. You can do this by placing them in cold water for a few minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry before mixing with the other ingredients. Many side dishes pair well with Cajun shrimp and sausage. Consider serving it with: - Rice or quinoa - Garlic bread - Green salad - Coleslaw - Roasted vegetables These sides balance the spicy flavors and add freshness. Absolutely! This dish works great for meal prep. Cook it once and divide it into meal containers. It stores well in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it in the microwave or oven for a quick meal. This blog post showed you how to make a tasty Cajun shrimp and sausage dish. You learned about the key ingredients, from shrimp to spices, and followed easy steps to prepare it. I shared tips on cooking and storage, ensuring your meal stays fresh. You can also explore variations and substitutions to suit your taste. Cooking this dish is simple and fun, making it a great choice for any meal. Try it out, and enjoy each flavorful bite!$

Spicy Sheet Pan Cajun Shrimp & Sausage

A flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring shrimp and sausage roasted with bell peppers and spices.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

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
1 unit yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 unit red onion, cut into wedges
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
to taste unit salt and black pepper
for garnish unit fresh parsley, chopped
for serving unit lemon wedges

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, sliced sausage, bell peppers, red onion, and minced garlic.
Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Toss everything together until well-coated in the seasonings and oil.
Spread the mixture evenly across a large sheet pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the sausages are heated through. Stir halfway through the cooking time to ensure even roasting.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing.

Notes

For a lighter option, use chicken or turkey sausage.

Keyword Cajun, sausage, sheet pan, shrimp, spicy