Cajun Shrimp & Vegetable Skillet (Fast Weeknight Dinner)

This Cajun shrimp and vegetable skillet is a fast, flavor-forward weeknight dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes. Shrimp, andouille sausage, peppers, and homemade (or store-bought) Cajun seasoning build layers of spice and smoke without a long ingredient list or complicated steps. Everything cooks in one pan, making it easy to serve now and even easier to clean up later.

Because the shrimp and vegetables cook in stages, the texture stays right—juicy shrimp, tender peppers, and just-soft squash. It’s naturally low-carb, gluten-free with the right sausage, and flexible enough to adapt to whatever vegetables you already have on hand. Serve it as-is, or pair it with cauliflower rice, white rice, or skillet cornbread to make it a little heartier.

Why You’ll Love It

• 30 minutes, one pan — minimal dishes, maximum payoff
• Big Cajun flavor without specialty ingredients
• Low-carb and gluten-free (with GF sausage)
• Easy to customize — swap shrimp, add heat, change veggies
• Great meal prep if you store shrimp separate
• Clean ingredients + real seasoning = not boring weeknight food
• Works year-round — peppers + squash are always easy to find

Tools & Pantry Picks 

You don’t need specialty equipment to make Cajun food at home, but a few small upgrades make a big difference:

• Andouille Sausage: look for brands with real smoke, not “liquid smoke flavoring.” Sugar-free & GF options exist.
• Smoked Paprika: the backbone of Cajun seasoning — don’t skip.
• Sea Salt & Fresh Pepper: matters more here than you’d think.
• Olive Oil: medium-fruity works great with shrimp + peppers.
• Skillet: cast iron holds heat the best, stainless works too.
• Broth Concentrate: better flavor control vs boxed broth.

Greta

Cajun Shrimp & Vegetable Skillet (Fast Weeknight Dinner)

A quick Cajun shrimp skillet with andouille, peppers, and homemade seasoning. Big flavor, one pan, and ready in about 30 minutes. Naturally low-carb and gluten-free.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cajun Seasoning

• 1 Tbsp garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
• ½ Tbsp onion powder
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp ground white pepper
• 2 tsp sea salt

Skillet

• 1 lb jumbo shrimp peeled and deveined
• 3 Tbsp olive oil divided
• 3 3-oz Cajun andouille sausage links, sliced
• ½ medium white onion finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 medium red or orange bell pepper diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper diced
• 2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning divided*
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 small yellow squash sliced into half moons
• 1 small zucchini sliced into half moons
• 2 Tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Method

 

1. Combine the Cajun seasoning ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
2. Toss the shrimp with 1 Tbsp olive oil and ½ Tbsp Cajun seasoning; set aside.
3. Set a large skillet over medium heat and add the sliced andouille sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 4–5 minutes. Transfer sausage to a plate and set aside.
4. Add 1 Tbsp olive oil to the skillet, along with the seasoned shrimp. Spread the shrimp into a single layer without overcrowding. Cook, stirring once, just until the shrimp is opaque and starting to curl, about 2 minutes. Do not overcook. Transfer shrimp to the plate with the sausage.
5. Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet, along with the onion, garlic, and diced bell peppers. Sprinkle with additional Cajun seasoning to taste and stir to combine. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften and develop some color, about 4–5 minutes.
6. Add the yellow squash and zucchini to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, just until browned and crisp-tender, about 2–3 minutes.
7. Remove from heat and stir in the browned sausage, shrimp, and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve immediately.

Notes

Start with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, and adjust as needed. 

Ingredients + Notes

• Shrimp: Jumbo shrimp cook quickly and stay tender — don’t overcook or they’ll go rubbery.
• Andouille sausage: Adds smoke, fat, and spice. Sugar-free and gluten-free options exist if needed.
• Bell peppers: The flavor base here; use whatever colors you have.
• Squash + zucchini: Bulks out the skillet and keeps things low-carb friendly.
• Cajun seasoning: Homemade or store-bought — both work.

Diet & Adaptations

• dairy-free
• gluten-free with GF sausage
• low-carb friendly
• paleo-adaptable (swap sausage)

Storage & Reheating

Shrimp doesn’t love aggressive reheating, so keep it gentle:

• Fridge: 2–3 days
• Reheat: low heat in a skillet with a splash of broth or water
• Meal prep: store the shrimp separate from the vegetables if possible

Variations

• swap shrimp for chicken thighs
• make it vegetarian with chickpeas + extra seasoning
• add a dash of hot sauce at the end
• serve over cauliflower rice or grits

Serving Suggestions

• cauliflower rice
• plain rice
• skillet cornbread
• simple green salad

FAQ

Q: Can I skip the sausage?
A: Yes, but you lose smoke, fat, and flavor. If you skip it, add extra smoked paprika and a touch more oil.

Q: Is it spicy?
A: Depends on the Cajun seasoning. Start with less and add more at the end.

Q: Can I meal prep this?
A: Yes — just don’t blast the shrimp when reheating.