This Cajun Sausage Shrimp Foil Packs recipe is a fun and easy way to enjoy a flavorful, complete meal with minimal cleanup. Packed with shrimp, Cajun sausage, baby potatoes, and bell peppers, all seasoned with Cajun spices and cooked to perfection in a foil pack, this dish combines savory, spicy, and hearty flavors. Whether grilling in the summer or baking in the oven, this meal is a versatile, quick, and satisfying option for any occasion.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 pound Cajun sausage (Andouille or smoked), sliced
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2 cups baby potatoes, halved
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1 bell pepper, sliced
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1 small onion, sliced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
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Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions
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Preheat the Grill/Oven: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Prepare the Ingredients:
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In a large bowl, mix the shrimp, sausage, potatoes, bell pepper, onion, garlic, olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss until the shrimp and vegetables are well-coated with the seasoning.
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Prepare the Foil Packs:
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Tear off four large sheets of aluminum foil, approximately 12×18 inches.
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Divide the mixture evenly among the sheets, placing the mixture in the center of each sheet. Fold the edges of the foil over to form a sealed packet.
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Cook the Foil Packs:
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Grill the foil packs on the preheated grill for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking. If baking, place the foil packs on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes.
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Serve:
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Carefully open the foil packs (watch for steam!) and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges.
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Nutrients (per serving)
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Calories: 480 kcal
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Protein: 30g
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Total Fat: 28g
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Saturated Fat: 8g
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Carbohydrates: 30g
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Fiber: 4g
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Sugars: 2g
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Additional Tips
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Healthier Alternatives:
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Substitute the Cajun sausage with leaner options like turkey or chicken sausage, or opt for plant-based sausages.
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Add leafy greens such as spinach or kale for extra vitamins and minerals.
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Customizations:
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If you prefer a milder dish, adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your spice tolerance.
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Feel free to substitute shrimp with other seafood like scallops or fish.
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Why Cajun Sausage Shrimp Foil Packs are So Special
What makes Cajun Sausage Shrimp Foil Packs so special is their versatility, ease of preparation, and depth of flavor. The combination of shrimp and Cajun sausage offers a balance of tender seafood and savory, slightly smoky sausage, enhanced by a blend of Cajun spices. The baby potatoes provide a hearty base, and the bell peppers and onions add color and freshness to the dish.
Cooking everything in a foil packet locks in the moisture and flavors, allowing the ingredients to steam and cook in their own juices while absorbing the spices. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or baking in the oven, this recipe ensures that every bite is packed with flavor without much effort or cleanup. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a full, satisfying meal with minimal fuss.
Key Ingredients and Their Role in the Recipe
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Shrimp: Shrimp is the star of the dish, adding a delicate seafood flavor that pairs perfectly with the Cajun sausage and spices. Its quick cooking time ensures the shrimp remains tender and juicy.
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Cajun Sausage: The sausage adds a rich, savory flavor and a bit of smokiness to the foil packs. It’s also the key to the dish’s bold, spiced flavor profile. Andouille or smoked sausage works best, but feel free to experiment with other varieties.
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Baby Potatoes: Baby potatoes are hearty and absorb the flavors of the Cajun seasoning and garlic while becoming soft and tender when cooked. They provide the perfect base for the meal, making it feel more substantial.
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Bell Pepper & Onion: The bell peppers and onions add a burst of color and a fresh, crisp texture that balances the richness of the sausage and shrimp. They also help to soften and sweeten as they cook, adding another layer of flavor to the dish.
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Garlic: Garlic brings a savory depth to the foil packs, infusing the other ingredients with a rich, aromatic flavor.
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Cajun Seasoning: Cajun seasoning is what gives this dish its distinctive flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade Cajun seasoning, which typically combines paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano, adding a perfect balance of heat and spice.
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Olive Oil: Olive oil helps to coat the ingredients and ensures they cook evenly while contributing a subtle richness to the dish.
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Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing citrusy finish.
How to Make the Perfect Cajun Sausage Shrimp Foil Packs
This recipe is straightforward, and it all comes together in just a few easy steps. Here’s how to make the perfect Cajun Sausage Shrimp Foil Packs:
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Preheat the Grill or Oven:
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Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, or your oven to 400°F (200°C). Both methods will work, and you can choose based on your preference and available equipment.
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Prepare the Ingredients:
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In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, Cajun sausage slices, halved baby potatoes, bell pepper slices, onion slices, and minced garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss the ingredients together until everything is well-coated with the seasoning.
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Prepare the Foil Packs:
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Tear off four large sheets of aluminum foil, approximately 12×18 inches in size.
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Divide the mixture evenly among the sheets, placing the seasoned shrimp, sausage, and vegetables in the center of each sheet.
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Fold the edges of the foil over to form a sealed packet, ensuring it’s well-sealed but not too tight, allowing for some steam to circulate inside.
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Cook the Foil Packs:
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If grilling, place the foil packs on the preheated grill. Grill for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
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If baking, place the foil packs on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until the shrimp is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
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Serve:
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Carefully open the foil packs (be cautious of steam) and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve the foil packs immediately, and squeeze a lemon wedge over the top for extra brightness and flavor.
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Pro Tips for Perfect Cajun Sausage Shrimp Foil Packs
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Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh or well-thawed shrimp. Frozen shrimp can work, but be sure to thaw them completely before using.
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Customize the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to suit your taste. If you love spice, feel free to add extra cayenne or hot sauce for more heat.
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Add Extra Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the foil packs, such as zucchini, corn on the cob, or mushrooms, to make the dish more substantial.
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Check Potato Tenderness: Baby potatoes should cook fully in 25-30 minutes, but if they are larger or thicker, they might need a few more minutes. You can test their doneness by poking them with a fork.
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Serve with Sides: These foil packs are hearty on their own, but you can serve them with a side of rice, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad for a more well-rounded meal.
Serving Suggestions for Cajun Sausage Shrimp Foil Packs
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With Rice: Serve these foil packs over a bed of rice to soak up all the delicious juices from the sausage, shrimp, and vegetables. White rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice all pair well with this dish.
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With Cornbread: For a southern-style meal, serve with a slice of buttery cornbread to balance out the spice and soak up the extra sauce.
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With a Side Salad: Pair these foil packs with a simple salad of mixed greens, avocado, and a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the savory meal.
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With Garlic Bread: For a complete, hearty meal, serve with some garlic bread to scoop up all the flavorful juices from the foil pack.
Nutritional Information for Cajun Sausage Shrimp Foil Packs
Each serving of Cajun Sausage Shrimp Foil Packs contains approximately 480 calories, with 28 grams of fat (8 grams of saturated fat). The dish provides 30 grams of protein, 30 grams of carbohydrates, and 4 grams of fiber. With only 2 grams of sugar, it’s a low-sugar meal packed with flavor and nutrients. It also contains 477 mg of sodium per serving, which is typical for a dish seasoned with Cajun spices.
Conclusion
Cajun Sausage Shrimp Foil Packs are a flavorful, easy-to-make meal that brings together savory shrimp, smoky sausage, and hearty vegetables, all cooked to perfection with Cajun seasoning. Whether grilling outdoors or baking in the oven, this dish is a quick and satisfying option that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, the minimal cleanup makes it even more appealing. With endless customization options and bold flavors, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Enjoy the rich, spicy flavors and the ease of cooking everything in one convenient foil pack!