Essential Tools for Your Kitchen: Equipment

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One of the beauties of a sheet pan meal is its simplicity, which extends to the minimal equipment required. For this recipe, you’ll mainly need just a few basic kitchen items:

• A Sturdy Sheet Pan: A good quality, heavy-duty sheet pan is crucial for even cooking and browning. A standard half-sheet pan (approximately 18×13 inches) is usually ideal for a family of four. If you’re doubling the recipe or prefer more space, consider using two sheet pans to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming rather than roasting.
• Large Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least one large mixing bowl to combine all your shrimp, sausage, vegetables, and the delicious Cajun seasoning. A smaller bowl will be helpful for whisking together the oil and spices.

That’s it! No fancy gadgets or specialized equipment needed. For more details on the specific products I recommend and use in my kitchen, check the recipe card below. Some of these recommendations include affiliate links, which help support this blog at no extra cost to you.

More Irresistible Shrimp Recipes You’ll Adore

If you’re a fan of shrimp and loved this easy sheet pan meal, you’re in for a treat! Shrimp is incredibly versatile and forms the base of many delectable dishes, especially in Southern and Creole cuisine. Here are some other amazing shrimp recipes from our collection that we think you’ll absolutely love:

Smart Storage: How to Store Leftovers

One of the great advantages of this Sheet Pan Cajun Shrimp and Sausage recipe is how well it holds up for leftovers, making it perfect for meal prep throughout the week. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy its delicious flavors for days to come:

• Refrigeration: To keep your leftovers fresh and flavorful, allow the cooked dish to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It will store beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm it in the microwave or in a pan on the stovetop until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp during reheating.
• Freezing for Later: This recipe also freezes remarkably well, offering a convenient option for future quick meals. Once the dish has cooled, place it in a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as described above. The vegetables might be slightly softer after freezing and thawing, but the flavors will still be fantastic.

Having a batch of this Cajun delight ready in the fridge or freezer means you’re always prepared for a delicious, no-fuss meal, whether it’s a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner.

Mel’s Kitchen Notes for Perfect Results

To truly elevate your Sheet Pan Cajun Shrimp and Sausage, it’s all about achieving that perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors, coupled with ideal textures. While the recipe is designed for ease, a few details can make all the difference. Beyond patting the shrimp dry, remember that oven temperatures can vary. If you notice one side of your sheet pan browning faster or your vegetables aren’t getting evenly tender, don’t hesitate to flip or stir the contents halfway through the baking time. This simple action ensures everything cooks uniformly, leading to beautifully caramelized vegetables and perfectly cooked proteins in every bite. Trust your senses – look for vibrant colors and the enticing aroma of Cajun spices filling your kitchen!

Absolutely! Frozen shrimp are perfectly suitable for this recipe and offer a convenient shortcut. However, it’s crucial to thaw them properly before cooking. Place them in a colander under cold running water for a few minutes, or transfer them to the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture ensures the shrimp will sear and cook beautifully, rather than steaming, which can lead to a rubbery texture.

While this Sheet Pan Cajun Shrimp and Sausage is truly best served fresh out of the oven, you can certainly do some prep work in advance to make dinner even quicker. You can slice all your vegetables and sausage, mince the garlic, and mix the seasoning blend ahead of time. Store the sliced vegetables and sausage in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Mix the seasoning ingredients (olive oil, Worcestershire, garlic, Cajun seasoning) in a small jar. When you’re ready to cook, simply combine the shrimp, sausage, and veggies in a bowl, add the pre-mixed seasoning, toss, and bake. This preparation can be done earlier in the day.

While Cajun seasoning is key to the authentic flavor profile of this dish, you can certainly experiment with other spice blends if you prefer a milder taste or don’t have Cajun on hand. A Creole seasoning blend would be a natural substitute, offering a similar but often slightly less spicy profile. Alternatively, you could create your own blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, oregano, a pinch of cayenne pepper (to taste), salt, and black pepper. Even a simple mix of garlic and herb seasoning can be delicious, though it won’t have the signature Cajun kick.

This Sheet Pan Cajun Shrimp and Sausage is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with several simple side dishes. Fluffy white rice or brown rice is a classic choice, perfect for soaking up all the delicious juices. Other great options include creamy grits, a light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, crusty French bread to sop up the sauce, or even a side of roasted corn on the cob for extra sweetness.

The spice level of this recipe primarily depends on the Cajun seasoning blend you choose. Many commercial Cajun seasonings offer a moderate heat, while others can be quite spicy. If you’re sensitive to heat, look for a mild Cajun seasoning or use slightly less than the recommended amount. For those who love a good kick, you can always add an extra dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. The beauty of homemade cooking is that you can always adjust the spices to your personal preference!

• 1 Pound Frozen Shrimp uncooked, peeled and deveined, large count jumbo size
• 2 Links Smoked Sausage andouille if possible
• 1 Each Zucchini makes about 2 cups when sliced into half inch circles
• 2 Cups Green Beans regular or fine (I used frozen fine beans)
• 1 Each Red Bell Pepper cut into larger cubes
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 ½ Tablespoons Cajun Seasoning
• 3 teaspoons Garlic minced
• 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper to taste
• Lemon Wedges and Parsley for garnish

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a large bowl, combine the thawed and patted dry shrimp, sliced sausage, zucchini, green beans, and bell pepper.
  1 Pound Frozen Shrimp, 2 Links Smoked Sausage, 1 Each Zucchini, 2 Cups Green Beans, 1 Each Red Bell Pepper
• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and Cajun seasoning. Drizzle this mixture over the shrimp, sausage, and veggies in the large bowl, then toss thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.
  1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 ½ Tablespoons Cajun Seasoning, 3 teaspoons Garlic, 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• Spread the seasoned mixture onto a large baking sheet in a single, even layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
• Bake for 20 minutes, or until the shrimp turn opaque pink and the vegetables are tender-crisp. You may stir halfway through for even cooking.
• Taste the dish and add extra kosher salt and black pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley before serving for a bright finish.
  Kosher Salt and Black Pepper to taste, Lemon Wedges and Parsley for garnish