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Spicy Shrimp and Andouille Sausage: A Quick & Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s packed with flavor but comes together in under 30 minutes, this spicy shrimp and andouille sausage skillet recipe is about to become your new favorite. Think smoky sausage, juicy shrimp, colorful peppers, and a creamy, slightly spicy Cajun sauce that’s irresistible.

And if you really want to take it up a notch? Serve it over cheesy grits—creamy, buttery, and perfect for soaking up every bit of that flavorful sauce. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Everything cooks in one pan—perfect for busy weeknights.
• Packed with Flavor: Smoky sausage, tender shrimp, fresh veggies, and a creamy Cajun sauce.
• Customizable: Add more veggies, turn up the heat, or swap sausage for something else if you like.
• Family-Friendly: Spicy enough for flavor, mild enough to keep everyone happy.
• Perfect with Cheesy Grits: The creamy grits are a classic Southern pairing that elevate this dish to restaurant-quality comfort food.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients:

• Olive oil, garlic, shallots, red peppers
• Andouille sausage, cherry tomatoes
• Large raw shrimp

For the sauce:

• Dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc works great)
• Cajun seafood seasoning, heavy cream
• Fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper

For garnish:

• Sliced scallions

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How to Make Spicy Shrimp and Andouille Sausage

1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add garlic, shallots, and red peppers, and cook until fragrant.
2. Brown the sausage: Add the andouille sausage slices and cook until lightly browned.
3. Add the tomatoes: Toss in cherry tomatoes and sauté briefly.
4. Cook the shrimp: Move ingredients to the edges of the pan. Cook shrimp in the center until just pink but not fully done.
5. Make the sauce: Pour in white wine and let it reduce slightly. Stir in heavy cream and Cajun seasoning until the sauce thickens.
6. Finish & garnish: Add a squeeze of lemon juice, season to taste, and top with sliced scallions. Serve immediately!

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Pro Tips for the Best Skillet Shrimp

• Don’t overcook the shrimp—they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
• Add extra veggies like zucchini or spinach for color and nutrition.
• Use chicken broth if you don’t have wine on hand.
• Turn up the heat with cayenne or hot sauce if you love spice.
• Make it Southern-style: Serve over creamy cheesy grits for an extra indulgent meal.

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What to Serve With Spicy Shrimp and Andouille Sausage

• Over rice: White, brown, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
• Pasta: Toss with spaghetti or linguine to make it extra hearty.
• Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy Cajun sauce.
• Cheesy grits: A classic Southern pairing—creamy, buttery grits soak up all the delicious sauce and take this dish to the next level.

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Why This Recipe Works

This dish hits all the right notes: smoky, spicy, creamy, and fresh. The addition of cheesy grits gives it that comforting, soul-food feel without adding too much work. It’s satisfying, visually appealing, and comes together quickly—making it perfect for weeknights, date nights, or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort.

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Wine Pairings for Spicy Shrimp and Andouille Sausage with Rice

This spicy shrimp and andouille sausage with rice is bold, smoky, and packed with flavor. To complement the heat and richness of the dish, the right wine can make a world of difference. Here are some top picks:

White Wines

• Riesling (off-dry) – A slightly sweet Riesling balances the spice of the shrimp while complementing the smoky sausage. Look for a Kabinett or Spätlese style with bright acidity.
• Gewürztraminer – Aromatic and slightly off-dry, it pairs beautifully with Cajun spices and smoky flavors.
• Sauvignon Blanc – Crisp, zesty, and herbaceous, it cuts through the richness of the sausage and refreshes the palate.

Rosé Wines

• Dry Rosé – A fruit-forward dry rosé, such as from Provence or California, has enough body to handle the sausage while staying light for the shrimp.

Red Wines

• Zinfandel – Medium-bodied with ripe fruit and peppery spice, it complements smoky sausage and bold spices.
• Gamay (Beaujolais) – Light, fruity, and low-tannin, it works well with spice without amplifying heat.
• Grenache / Garnacha – Medium-bodied, with bright red fruit and subtle spice, perfect for Cajun-style flavors.

Sparkling Wines

• Brut or Extra Dry Sparkling Wine – Champagne, Cava, or Prosecco’s bubbles help cleanse the palate, cut through the fat, and balance heat.

Pairing Tips

• Match intensity: The smoky, spicy sausage needs a wine with enough fruit or spice to complement it. Avoid overly delicate wines.
• Balance the heat: Slightly sweet wines like off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer calm the heat from spicy shrimp.
• Serve chilled whites or rosés: These are refreshing and perfect for summer or outdoor meals.
• Red wines: Choose lighter, fruit-forward reds with low tannins to avoid amplifying the spice.

💡 Pro Tip: If your dish is very spicy, start with an off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer. If it’s more smoky than spicy, a Zinfandel or dry rosé will pair beautifully.

Final Thoughts

If you love Cajun flavors, shrimp, or sausage, this skillet recipe is a must-try. Quick, flexible, and full of bold flavors, it’s destined to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Serve it over cheesy grits for a true Southern experience—one bite and you’ll understand why this combo is legendary.

Try it tonight—you’ll have dinner on the table in no time, and it’s guaranteed to get a few “wow, this is amazing” comments at the table.

Don’t forget the Cornbread or some of the yummy Little Gruyere and Scallion Biscuits.

More southern inspired recipes:

• Spicy Corn Maque Choux
• Mom’s Cornbread
• Mom’s Southern Cornbread Dressing
• Smokey Pimento Cheese with Fresh Basil, Sundried Tomatoes and Crispy Bacon

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