Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bake
This Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bake is a bold, hearty, low-carb dinner packed with smoky sausage, juicy shrimp, tender roasted cabbage, and Cajun seasoning. The cabbage becomes caramelized around the edges while the shrimp stay tender and the sausage adds rich, savory flavor.
It is simple enough for a weeknight meal but flavorful enough to feel special. You can serve it on its own or pair it with cauliflower rice, a green salad, or roasted vegetables.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Cabbage
1 large green cabbage
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Shrimp and Sausage
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
12 ounces smoked sausage or andouille sausage, sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Vegetables
1 small red bell pepper, diced
1 small green bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
For Finishing
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Fresh lemon wedges
Optional red pepper flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 425°F or 220°C.
Lightly grease a large baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Cabbage
Remove the outer leaves from the cabbage.
Cut the cabbage into thick wedges or steak-style slices, keeping some of the core attached so the pieces hold together.
Place the cabbage in the baking dish.
Drizzle with olive oil.
Sprinkle with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Rub the seasoning gently over both sides.
Step 3: Roast the Cabbage
Place the cabbage in the oven and roast for about 20 minutes.
Carefully flip the cabbage.
Roast for another 10 minutes, or until the edges begin to brown and the center starts to soften.
Step 4: Prepare the Shrimp and Sausage
While the cabbage is roasting, place the shrimp and sliced sausage in a large bowl.
Add olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and lemon juice.
Toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Add the Vegetables
Add the bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic to the shrimp and sausage mixture.
Toss again so the vegetables are coated with the seasoning.
Step 6: Assemble the Bake
Remove the cabbage from the oven.
Arrange the shrimp, sausage, peppers, onion, and garlic over and around the roasted cabbage.
Spread everything evenly so the shrimp and sausage cook properly.
Step 7: Bake Again
Return the baking dish to the oven.
Bake for another 12 to 15 minutes.
The shrimp should be pink and opaque, and the sausage should be hot with lightly browned edges.
Do not overcook the shrimp because they can become rubbery.
Step 8: Finish and Serve
Remove the bake from the oven.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top.
Serve hot.
Tips for the Best Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bake
Use large shrimp because they are less likely to overcook.
Choose smoked sausage or andouille sausage for the best Cajun-style flavor.
Do not cut the cabbage too thinly. Thick wedges or steaks roast better and hold their shape.
If your Cajun seasoning already contains a lot of salt, reduce the extra salt in the recipe.
For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
For more smoky flavor, add a little extra smoked paprika.
Variations
Creamy Cajun Version
Drizzle a small amount of heavy cream over the cabbage before adding the shrimp and sausage.
Cheesy Version
Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar over the top during the final 5 minutes of baking.
Low-Carb Version
Serve the bake on its own or with cauliflower rice.
Extra Vegetable Version
Add zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli.
Spicy Version
Use hot andouille sausage and increase the Cajun seasoning.
What to Serve With It
This bake is filling enough to serve alone, but it also pairs well with:
Cauliflower rice
Green salad
Roasted broccoli
Garlic green beans
Avocado salad
Mashed cauliflower
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For best results, keep the shrimp from sitting too long because seafood can lose texture after repeated reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F or 175°C until warmed through.
You can also reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat.
Avoid overheating so the shrimp stay tender.
Can You Freeze It?
You can freeze the sausage and cabbage portion, but shrimp are best fresh because freezing and reheating can make them rubbery.
If planning ahead, freeze the cabbage and sausage mixture and add fresh shrimp when reheating.
Nutrition Information
Approximate nutrition per serving, based on 6 servings:
Calories: 310
Protein: 27 g
Carbohydrates: 11 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 5 g
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Sodium: 820 mg
Nutrition will vary depending on the sausage and Cajun seasoning used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning.
What kind of sausage works best?
Andouille sausage is ideal for Cajun flavor, but smoked sausage also works well.
Can I make it less spicy?
Yes. Use mild sausage and reduce the Cajun seasoning.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can roast the cabbage ahead of time and refrigerate it. Add the shrimp and sausage shortly before baking.
Why did my shrimp turn rubbery?
They were likely overcooked. Shrimp cook quickly and only need to become pink and opaque.
Can I use red cabbage?
Yes, but green cabbage gives a more traditional flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Cabbage Bake is a simple way to bring bold Southern-inspired flavor to a low-carb dinner. The roasted cabbage gives the dish a hearty base, while spicy sausage and juicy shrimp make it satisfying and protein-rich.
The combination of smoky seasoning, caramelized cabbage, fresh lemon, and tender shrimp makes this an easy dinner worth repeating.
