It’s 6pm and you need dinner fast. If you’re craving something creamy and comforting, this is for you. This Cajun Shrimp Ramen is the ultimate fusion meal. It delivers bold flavors without any of the stress.
You don’t need fancy ingredients for a great meal. This dish uses simple pantry staples and frozen shrimp. It is perfect for those busy nights when time is short. Your family will think you spent hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Make This Cajun Shrimp Ramen Again
You will make this again because it is incredibly satisfying. It is the perfect winter comfort food for chilly nights. This recipe is ready in just 35 minutes total. You get smoky sausage and juicy shrimp in every single bite.
It is much better than a plain noodle packet. The creamy sauce coats every noodle perfectly. It is a reliable weeknight win for any home cook. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking. Everyone will be asking for seconds of this dish.
How This Comes Together
This dish comes together in one large skillet. You sear the proteins first to build deep flavor. Then, you simmer a creamy, spicy broth in the same pan. The noodles soak up all that bold Cajun spice easily. It is a foolproof way to upgrade instant ramen quickly.
What You’ll Need
Grab these simple ingredients from your kitchen or local store. Fresh or frozen shrimp both work perfectly here.
- 2 packs instant ramen noodles, flavor packets discarded
- 0.5 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 oz andouille sausage, sliced into 0.25-inch rounds
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 0.5 cup yellow onion, diced
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Step-By-Step Directions
- Boil water in a pot and cook ramen noodles for 2 minutes until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add andouille sausage and sear until browned, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add shrimp and 0.5 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning; sauté until shrimp are opaque, then remove shrimp and sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions and bell peppers until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and the remaining Cajun seasoning; cook for 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken stock and Worcestershire sauce, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze.
- Bring to a simmer, then stir in heavy cream; reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return sausage and shrimp to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Add the cooked ramen noodles to the sauce, tossing thoroughly to coat.
- Divide into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions.
How To Serve It
Serve this in deep bowls while it is steaming hot. The creamy sauce is the star of the show. Pair it with a simple side salad for crunch. It is great for a quick weeknight dinner at home. Garnish with plenty of fresh green onions for color.
Leftovers & Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to two days. Reheat it on the stove with a splash of milk. This helps loosen the sauce without making it oily. I do not recommend freezing this specific creamy dish. Enjoy it fresh for the best noodle texture.
Make It Even Better (Pro Tips)
- Don’t skip searing the sausage for that smoky flavor.
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp or they will get rubbery.
- Use low-sodium chicken stock to control the salt level.
- Discard the flavor packets to keep the taste authentic.
- Add a squeeze of lemon for a bright finish.
- This makes a great comfort food meal for guests.
- Keep the noodles slightly undercooked before adding to sauce.
- Use a heavy skillet for even heat distribution.
Easy Ways To Change It Up
- Swap shrimp for sliced chicken breast if preferred.
- Add corn or okra for a more traditional feel.
- Use coconut milk for a dairy-free creamy version.
- Stir in some spinach at the end for greens.
- Try smoked paprika for a milder, woodsy flavor.
Quick Questions
Is this dish very spicy?
It has a moderate spicy kick from the Cajun seasoning. You can reduce the seasoning for a milder taste. Adding more cream also helps balance the heat.
Can I use different noodles?
Yes, udon or rice noodles work very well too. Just follow the package directions for cooking times. The sauce pairs perfectly with almost any long noodle.
What if I don’t have andouille sausage?
You can use kielbasa or any smoked sausage instead. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious. Make sure to brown it well for flavor.
I hope you love this spicy and creamy ramen bowl. It is one of my favorite ways to stay warm. Give it a try tonight!
— Ethan
Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Ramen Bowl
Ingredients
Method
- Boil water in a pot and cook ramen noodles for 2 minutes until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add andouille sausage and sear until browned, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add shrimp and 0.5 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning; sauté until shrimp are opaque, then remove shrimp and sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions and bell peppers until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and the remaining Cajun seasoning; cook for 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken stock and Worcestershire sauce, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze.
- Bring to a simmer, then stir in heavy cream; reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return sausage and shrimp to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Add the cooked ramen noodles to the sauce, tossing thoroughly to coat.
- Divide into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions.
