Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe yields 6 servings. Quantities adjust automatically if you change the serving size, but cooking times remain the same.

• 1 pound asparagus spears, cut into thirds
• 1 pound yellow squash, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 pound zucchini, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 medium red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon low-sodium Cajun seasoning, divided
• 1 pound cocktail wieners
• 1 pound peeled, deveined shrimp without tails
• Fresh parsley and lemon slices for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400F (200C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
2. In a large bowl, combine asparagus, yellow squash, zucchini, red onion, red bell pepper, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning. Toss until all vegetables are evenly coated.
3. Add the cocktail wieners to the vegetable mixture and spread everything in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
5. While the vegetables and wieners roast, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Place them in a separate bowl and toss with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning.
6. After 10 minutes, remove the pan from the oven, stir the vegetables and wieners, and place the seasoned shrimp on top.
7. Return the pan to the oven and roast until the vegetables are tender and the shrimp turns opaque, about 10 more minutes. Keep in mind the shrimp will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
8. Serve garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices if desired.

Cook's Tip: This dish is slightly spicy. Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your taste. Salt and pepper are not added by default, so season to your preference.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 31g (40% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 10g (51% DV)
• Cholesterol: 203mg (68% DV)
• Sodium: 2633mg (114% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 15g (5% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 4g (15% DV)
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 30g (60% DV)
• Vitamin C: 53mg (59% DV)
• Calcium: 138mg (11% DV)
• Iron: 3mg (15% DV)
• Potassium: 902mg (19% DV)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrient information may vary based on ingredient sources. Consult a doctor or dietitian if following a medically restrictive diet.

The Origins of Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner

The Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner finds its roots in the rich culinary traditions of Louisiana, USA. Cajun cuisine itself evolved from the French-speaking Acadian settlers who were deported from Canada in the 18th century and settled in the bayous of southern Louisiana. These settlers adapted local ingredients like seafood, sausages, and fresh vegetables into robust, flavorful dishes that could be prepared quickly and feed large families. The sheet pan adaptation of shrimp and sausage is a modern take on the classic Cajun shrimp boil, designed for convenience while preserving the signature bold spices of the region.

Regional Characteristics

In Louisiana, particularly in the Acadiana region, Cajun dishes emphasize the "holy trinity" of vegetablesonions, bell peppers, and celeryalongside proteins such as shrimp, crawfish, and smoked sausage. The seasoning is a critical hallmark, with paprika, cayenne, garlic, and black pepper creating a distinctive heat. Unlike traditional shrimp boils that rely on boiling water with seasonings, the sheet pan version roasts the ingredients, concentrating the flavors while producing a slightly caramelized texture on the vegetables and proteins.

Distinguishing Features from Similar Dishes

While reminiscent of a shrimp boil or gumbo, this sheet pan dinner is unique in its simplicity and efficiency. Traditional shrimp boils require a large pot of boiling water and often include corn and potatoes, whereas the sheet pan version streamlines the cooking process in the oven and uses a variety of fresh vegetables instead of starchy sides. Compared to gumbo, it does not include a roux or a thickened sauce, making it lighter but still rich in Cajun flavor.

Typical Serving Occasions

This dish is commonly served at casual family dinners, weeknight meals, or small gatherings where ease of preparation and clean-up are desired. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, crusty French bread, or steamed rice. In restaurants, it is often featured on the menu as a Southern-inspired entre, appealing to those who enjoy bold, spicy flavors without the need for elaborate plating.

Interesting Facts

• The Cajun shrimp and sausage sheet pan dinner reflects the broader trend of one-pan cooking, which has become popular in modern kitchens for its convenience.
• The dish exemplifies the adaptability of Cajun cuisineoriginally designed to stretch limited ingredients into filling, flavorful meals.
• Sheet pan dinners like this one are a modern reinterpretation, showing how traditional recipes can evolve while maintaining their cultural essence.
• The combination of shrimp and smoked sausage mirrors the classic flavor pairings found in Louisiana festivals and seafood boils.
• Despite its simplicity, the dish captures the signature spiciness and aromatic complexity that defines authentic Cajun cooking.

FAQ about Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe