Cajun Shrimp, Sausage, and Cabbage

A Flavorful Low-Carb Cajun Dinner with Shrimp, Smoked Sausage, and Fresh Cabbage

If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal, this Cajun Shrimp, Sausage, and Cabbage Skillet is the perfect recipe. Packed with juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and tender cabbage, this dish delivers bold Cajun flavor while staying low in carbs and high in protein.

This one-pan recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, keto-friendly meal plans, or healthy comfort food dinners. The combination of Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic, and fresh vegetables creates a savory dish that is both hearty and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

 One-pan meal for easy cleanup
 Ready in about 30 minutes
 Low-carb and keto-friendly
 Packed with protein and vegetables
 Bold Cajun flavor in every bite

Ingredients

• 1 medium green cabbage, chopped

• 12 oz raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced

• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika

• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 small red bell pepper, diced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredient Notes

Garlic

Garlic adds deep savory flavor and aroma to the dish. Fresh minced garlic is recommended for the best taste, but garlic powder can also be used if fresh garlic is unavailable.

Cabbage

Cabbage provides the crisp texture and low-carb base for this recipe. It absorbs the spices and flavors beautifully. If desired, you can substitute napa cabbage for a softer texture.

Red Bell Pepper

Red bell pepper adds color, sweetness, and mild flavor. If preferred, yellow bell pepper can be used as an alternative.

Olive Oil

Olive oil helps coat the vegetables and proteins while adding healthy fats to the dish. You may substitute avocado oil or melted butter for a slightly richer flavor.

Shrimp

Shrimp cooks quickly and provides lean protein with almost no carbs, making it perfect for keto diets. You can substitute shrimp with:

• Scallops

• Lobster pieces

• White fish like cod or halibut

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan

• Cutting board

• Sharp knife

• Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before cooking, prepare all your ingredients:

• Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces.

• Slice the smoked sausage into rounds.

• Dice the onion and red bell pepper.

• Mince the garlic.

• Peel and devein the shrimp if necessary.

Having everything ready makes cooking faster and easier.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

Allow the oil to warm for about 1 minute.

Step 3: Cook the Sausage

Add the sliced smoked sausage to the skillet.

Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage becomes lightly browned and releases its smoky flavor.

Remove the sausage and set it aside on a plate.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add:

• Chopped onion

• Minced garlic

• Red bell pepper

Cook for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.

Step 5: Add the Cabbage

Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet.

Season with:

• Smoked paprika

• Cajun seasoning

• Salt

• Black pepper

Stir well to coat the cabbage with the spices.

Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage becomes tender but still slightly crisp.

Step 6: Cook the Shrimp

Add the raw shrimp to the skillet.

Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring gently, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

Shrimp cooks very quickly, so avoid overcooking.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet.

Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes so the flavors blend.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish for extra freshness and color.

Serve immediately while hot.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 310

• Protein: 25g

• Fat: 18g

• Carbohydrates: 10g

• Fiber: 4g

• Net Carbs: 6g

This makes the recipe perfect for low-carb and keto diets.

Storage Tips

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best results. You can also microwave for 1–2 minutes.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Cajun Version

Add:

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• A few drops of hot sauce

Creamy Cajun Cabbage

Stir in 2 tablespoons cream cheese or heavy cream at the end for a creamy texture.

Keto Butter Version

Replace olive oil with butter for richer flavor.

Seafood Cajun Skillet

Use a mix of seafood such as:

• Shrimp

• Scallops

• White fish chunks

Expert Cooking Tips

 Use fresh shrimp for the best texture.
 Do not overcook shrimp—they should turn pink and slightly firm.
 Slice cabbage evenly for consistent cooking.
 Cook sausage first to release extra flavor into the skillet.

What to Serve with Cajun Shrimp and Cabbage

This dish pairs well with:

• Cauliflower rice

• Garlic butter zucchini

• Keto cornbread

• Fresh green salad

Final Thoughts

This Cajun Shrimp, Sausage, and Cabbage Skillet is a delicious combination of smoky sausage, juicy shrimp, tender cabbage, and bold Cajun spices. It’s a simple one-pan meal that’s quick enough for weeknights but flavorful enough to impress guests.

enjoy!