Let me tell you, this cajun shrimp and sausage sheet pan dish is a game changer in my kitchen! It’s bursting with flavor, so easy to make, and—best of all—it all cooks on one pan, which means less cleanup for me. I can whip this up in no time, and it always brings back memories of family gatherings, where the savory aroma would fill the house as we all eagerly awaited dinner. The smoky sausage combined with perfectly cooked shrimp and colorful veggies makes it not just delicious, but a feast for the eyes too! Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a regular on your dinner rotation. You’re going to love how effortless it is to bring some Cajun flair to your table!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 bell peppers, chopped (any color you love!)
- 1 onion, sliced (a sweet onion works wonders)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (for that lovely richness)
- 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning (adjust to your spice preference!)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic is life)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy, season it up!)
How to Prepare Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Sheet Pan
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 400°F (200°C). This step is super important because a hot oven ensures that everything cooks evenly and gets that delightful roasted flavor we love. Trust me, you want those shrimp to sizzle and the veggies to caramelize just right!
Combine Ingredients
Now, in a large bowl, toss together your shrimp, sliced smoked sausage, chopped bell peppers, and sliced onion. I like to use my hands for this—it’s a bit messy but totally worth it! Just make sure everything is mixed well so every bite is packed with flavor. You want to see those vibrant colors come together!
Season the Mixture
Next up, drizzle in the olive oil and sprinkle the cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Don’t hold back on that cajun seasoning—it’s what gives this dish its kick! Then, get in there and toss everything together until every piece is well coated. You’ll love how fragrant it becomes!
Spread on Sheet Pan
Grab a sheet pan and spread the mixture out evenly. You want to make sure everything has a bit of space, so they can roast nicely without steaming each other. This helps the shrimp get that lovely caramelization and the veggies to soften perfectly. It’s like giving them a little room to shine!
Bake the Dish
Pop the sheet pan in your preheated oven and let it bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’ll know it’s done when the shrimp turns pink and opaque, and the veggies are tender and slightly charred. The smells wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!
Serve Warm
Finally, take it out of the oven and let it cool for just a minute. Serve it warm with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten things up. Pair it with some crusty bread or a simple green salad, and you’ve got a meal that’s not just easy but also packed with flavor. Enjoy every single bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
- One-pan meal means less cleanup and more time to relax.
- Flavor-packed with Cajun spices that bring a delightful kick to every bite.
- Versatile—feel free to add your favorite veggies for a personal touch!
- Healthy and satisfying, with shrimp and sausage providing a great protein boost.
- Visually stunning with vibrant colors that make your dinner table pop!
- Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Tips for Success
Okay, friends, here are my top tips to ensure your cajun shrimp and sausage sheet pan dish turns out absolutely fantastic every time!
- Use Fresh Shrimp: If you can, opt for fresh shrimp instead of frozen. Fresh shrimp has a better texture and flavor, making your dish even more delicious. If you do use frozen, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to avoid excess water.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your ingredients some breathing room! Crowding the sheet pan can lead to steaming instead of roasting. If needed, use two pans or bake in batches for that perfect caramelization.
- Customize Your Veggies: While bell peppers and onions are classic, feel free to throw in other veggies like zucchini, corn, or even asparagus. Just remember to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking!
- Adjust the Spice Level: Cajun seasoning can be spicy, so taste as you go. If you’re serving kids or spice-averse friends, you can always dial back the seasoning or mix in some milder spices.
- Finish with Freshness: A squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro right before serving can really elevate the flavors and add a pop of freshness!
- Leftovers are Gold: This dish stores beautifully! If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They make for a quick lunch or a tasty topping for a salad the next day!
With these tips, you’re on your way to mastering this easy, flavorful dish. Enjoy the cooking process and the delightful meal that follows!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got some leftovers? Lucky you! Storing your cajun shrimp and sausage sheet pan dish is super easy and keeps it delicious for later.
- To Store: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s sealed tightly to keep all those yummy flavors intact!
- To Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, the oven is your best friend! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C), spread the mixture on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps revive that crispy texture. You could also pop it in the microwave for a quicker option, but I recommend doing it in short bursts to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Just heat for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Pro Tip: If the dish looks a little dry after reheating, drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil or a splash of broth over it before warming. It’ll help bring back some moisture and flavor!
With these simple steps, you can enjoy your delicious cajun shrimp and sausage dish again without missing a beat. Enjoy every last bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional info for each serving of this delightful cajun shrimp and sausage sheet pan dish. Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 150mg
This meal packs a protein punch while keeping things relatively low in calories, making it a great option for a satisfying dinner that won’t weigh you down. Enjoy the flavors and the nutrition all in one delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh sausage instead of smoked?
Absolutely! Fresh sausage will work great, but keep in mind that it may require a bit more cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked through. Just make sure to check that it reaches the right internal temperature!
What if I can’t find cajun seasoning?
No worries! You can make your own cajun seasoning by mixing paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano. It’s super easy, and you can adjust the spice level to your liking!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep everything and store it in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly so the shrimp doesn’t absorb any weird fridge odors. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven and you’re good to go!
How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?
You’ll know the shrimp is cooked when it turns pink and opaque. It should also curl slightly, but be careful not to overcook it, or it can become rubbery. Keep an eye on it, and you’ll be just fine!
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! This dish is all about versatility. Feel free to add in your favorites like zucchini, corn, or even cherry tomatoes. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking!
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Sheet Pan: 7 Bold Flavors Await
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make cajun shrimp and sausage dish cooked on a single sheet pan.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine shrimp, sausage, bell peppers, and onion.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Toss until everything is well coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly on a sheet pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until shrimp is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust the level of cajun seasoning to suit your taste.
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or corn.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: cajun shrimp and sausage sheet pan, easy dinner, one pan meal
