Last Updated on April 19, 2022 by Anne-Marie
Cajun dishes are delicious and fun to cook. This recipe collection contains some of the most popular dishes from the region.
From authentic New Orleans gumbo jambalaya, these Cajun dinner ideas are suitable for first-time cooks and experienced home chefs.
Serve these Cajun recipes at Mardi Gras celebrations along an Easy Mardi Gras King Cakes Crescent Rolls Recipe or tasty New Orleans beignets.
Or cook them up any time of year when you’re in the mood for spicy food along with some Easy Sweet Collard Greens and Skillet Cornbread!
These creole recipes can be made in the comfort of your own home.
That's because they're made with easily found ingredients like andouille sausage, Cajun shrimp, red beans, rice, bell peppers, and the holy trinity (onions, green peppers, and celery).
Maybe the only things you'll need to buy at the grocery store for Cajun cooking are hot sauce, some Cajun seasonings, and possibly crawfish.
So what are you waiting for?
30+ Best Cajun Recipes
Here are the best Cajun recipes for Mardi Gras or every day. From gumbo to jambalaya, these Cajun dinner ideas are terrific for first-time cooks.
Spicy Instant Pot Jambalaya Recipe
Instant Pot Jambalaya is the easiest way to make the classic Cajun main course. Don't wait for Mardi Gras to make this rice recipe!
Easy Chicken and Sausage Gumbo Recipe
There’s nothing like a hot bowl of chicken and sausage gumbo on a cold winter’s night dinner table. Serve up this great recipe at your next potluck party.
How to Throw a Cajun Seafood Boil Party (with recipe)
Try this easy Cajun seafood boil party recipe that will leave you in a food coma. Includes tips on how to buy a Cajun seafood boil recipe stockpot and seafood boil seasoning.
One Pot Andouille Sausage Jambalaya
This tasty jambalaya with sausage recipe is made with frozen vegetables. An easy one-pot Jambalaya weeknight dinner recipe makes it one of our favorite creole recipes.
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs Recipe
Do you love porcupine meatballs? This Cajun-flavored slow cooker porcupine meatballs recipe is a unique take on a classic comfort food.
The BEST Crispy Cajun Chicken Wings
These easy Cajun chicken wings are easy to make, and taste absolutely amazing. Grill them, or bake them in the oven if you prefer. It's one of the best things we've tasted!
Cajun Baked Tilapia Loins
One of the easiest baked tilapia recipes you can make! Baked from frozen, Cajun Baked Tilapia Loins are moist, flaky, and flavorful and on your table in about 30 minutes! Lemon butter and Creole seasonings make this healthy baked tilapia recipe a family favorite.
Creole Beef and Rice Bowls
"Laisser les bons temps rouler!" It's Mardi Gras time and I'm sharing a quick and easy recipe for Creole Beef and Rice Bowls to celebrate! Tender beef, onion, peppers, tomatoes, and creole seasoning come together in this delicious meal served over brown rice perfect for Mardi Gras or any time of the year.
Cajun Cauliflower Rice with Andouille Sausage
This easy and delicious recipe is fast, flavorful, and low-carb! Perfect for a busy night or entertaining.
Instant Pot Dirty Rice – Cajun Pressure Cooker Recipe
Instant Pot Dirty Rice is an easy one-pot family dinner! This spicy Cajun comfort food recipe is made with beef, rice, and green onions.
Blackened Cod
Use a touch of honey to offset the medium heat in this easy blackened cod recipe.
Jambalaya Pasta
This scrumptious Jambalaya Pasta is packed with so much flavor from the Cajun spices. It's the perfect weeknight dinner that everyone will love!
Catfish Atchafalaya
Want all the flavors of Cajun shrimp and grits, but cutting carbs? Check out this keto-friendly and low-carb option.
Cajun-Smothered Pork Medallions
Cajun-Smothered Pork Medallions are the delicious Big Easy way to spice up the night with your loved one! Lean pork tenderloin is cut into “medallions” for quick, even cooking, rubbed with Cajun seasoning then smothered in a spicy sauce!
Keto Cajun Seafood Foil Packs
Zero clean-up and ready in under 30 minutes, this keto seafood foil is packed full of flavor. Cajun seasonings combine with crab, crawfish, and veggies for the ultimate feast.
Low-Carb Jambalaya with Chicken, Shrimp and Sausage
Low Carb Jambalaya with Chicken, Shrimp, and Sausage is a healthful and nutritious twist on the New Orleans classic that’s made with cauliflower “rice.”
Creamy Cajun Chicken
Creamy Cajun Chicken combines lightly breaded chicken with a creamy sauce that includes parmesan cheese, tomatoes, and Cajun spices. A simple dinner that is impressive at the same time! Serve this over rice or pasta, with a side of veggies!
Easy Dirty Rice Recipe (Cajun Rice)
Delicious Dirty Rice Recipe made with bold and flavorful ingredients including fluffy white rice, bacon, sausage, onions, celery, and Cajun seasoning. Bursting with flavor, enjoy this amazing Cajun rice recipe as a hearty side or effortless weeknight dinner.
Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich Recipe
This Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich recipe is full of authentic New Orleans flavor! Mouth-watering fried shrimp served on crusty French bread and smothered with homemade remoulade sauce. You’ll be amazed at how quick and easy it is to make this classic southern-style dish in your own kitchen.
Cajun Lasagna
Cajun lasagna is not your grandma’s recipe! This kicked-up pasta dish features the flavors of southern Louisiana cooking in one creamy casserole everyone won’t be able to get enough of.
Boudin Balls
Boudin Balls are a perfect finger food made from Cajun/Creole Boudin Sausage, removed from its casing, breaded, and deep-fried. Served with a dip it's the perfect snack for Game Day, or just because.
Best Dang Shrimp Creole
Shrimp Creole is a traditional southern recipe that is full of flavor! This quick and easy Creole shrimp recipe is perfect for weeknight suppers, Sunday brunches, or anytime you’re craving the classic flavors of the bayou.
Cajun Shrimp Mac and Cheese Recipe
If you are looking for a delicious and unique Mac & Cheese recipe, then this delicious cajun and shrimp mac n cheese will blow you away with all its amazing flavor.
Make-Ahead Creole-Style Shrimp Etouffee
Make-Ahead Creole-Style Shrimp Etouffee is easy to deliver on a weeknight—like Mardi Gras!—because you make the roux-based sauce in advance.
Slow Cooker Cajun Red Beans And Rice
Slow cooker Cajun red beans and rice is a hearty dinner full of big bold flavors. The good news is that with limited prep, you can throw this red beans and rice recipe in your crockpot in the morning and come home to dinner ready and waiting.
Cajun Sausage-Rice Skillet
This Cajun Sausage-Rice Skillet is a one-pan wonder of spicy rice in a tomato and vegetable-filled sauce with delicious Andouille sausage. Just under an hour from start to finish!
Cajun Pork Chops Skillet Meal
Turn up the grill and get your forks ready for this tender and flavorful cajun pork chop recipe. This will surely have everyone coming around for seconds!
Cajun Shrimp and Grits (with Andouille Sausage)
Cajun shrimp and grits is a delicious southern dish that is perfect for Mardi Gras or any time.
Air Fryer Shrimp Boil Recipe
Air fryer shrimp boil can be made Cajun spicy or mild. Loaded with potatoes, corn on the cob, and tender shrimp this one-pot meal is quick and easy to make.
Instant Pot Cajun Pasta
This easy to make, Cajun pasta is made in the Instant Pot, and uses simple ingredients, making mealtime, a breeze!
Easy Cajun Shrimp
A quick and easy Cajun shrimp recipe that requires only a few basic ingredients, a few minutes of prep time, and a few minutes of cook time. This straightforward delicious shrimp recipe will become a staple in your household!
One Pot Shrimp Gumbo Pasta
Combining shrimp gumbo with pasta yields an incredibly comforting dinner. Perfect for those who love a Louisiana-style meal AND pasta lovers alike! This one-pot pasta recipe is easy to prepare and comes together quickly!
Easy Red Beans and Rice with Sausage
This 20-minute Cajun Red Beans and Rice with Sausage is thick, creamy, and full of flavor.
Cajun Shrimp And Sausage
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage, combined with vibrant fresh vegetables, make an easy and delicious sheet pan dinner. Whether served by itself as a low-carb dinner or paired with dirty rice for a Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Bowl, it is certain to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Cajun Seasoning
This incredibly tender and juicy cubed steak is the perfect Cajun dinner for any occasion.
Vegan Red Beans and Rice
This vegan red beans and rice is a rich and hearty stew made with hearty kidney beans, vegan sausages and Cajun spices.
The Best Spicy Cajun Snapper with Mango Avocado Salsa
This amazing Cajun Snapper is served with a delicious Avacado Salsa.
Cajun Seasoned Shrimp
Cajun seasoned shrimp are perfect to use in your salads and wraps!
Ninja Foodi/Instant Pot Seafood Jambalaya
Seafood Jambalaya is a yummy Creole dish full of sausage, shrimp, veggies and rice. It's the ultimate comfort food that's easy & fast enough to make for any weeknight dinner.
Shrimp Boil Foil Packets Recipe for Camping
Cook these Shrimp Boil Foil Packets over a campfire, on the grill or in your oven for an easy family dinner with almost no cleanup!
Whole30 Chicken Jambalaya (Paleo)
This chicken jambalaya is packed with bold and spicy flavors! It is easy to make and incredibly flavorful.
Jambalaya Pasta Recipe
This quick and easy jambalaya pasta is a one-pot Cajun dinner that your family is going to love!
How to Make Dirty Rice (Dirty Rice Recipe)
Dirty Rice is Cajun-style rice made with white rice, ground liver, pork, spices, and seasoning. Chicken livers offer the perfect deep flavor to the rice (even for you non-liver lovers).
Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice
Instant Pot Red beans and rice is a flavorful dish that you can make without having to wait all day, thanks to the magic of the pressure cooker. And you do not have to presoak the beans.
Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Full of bold flavors, hearty and satisfying, this Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta dish is a delicious Cajun meal that's on the table in 30 minutes.
Black Eyed Peas with Andouille Sausage
Black-eyed peas become incredibly creamy and flavorful when cooked low and slow with paprika, garlic, and shallots. Served with sautéed Andouille Sausage and rice, this is a hearty, nourishing dish that's especially comforting when the nights are cold and the days are short.
Cajun Sausage and Pepper Skillet
This Cajun Sausage and peppers skillet with caramelized onions, Crunchy peppers, is so flavourful. You need less than 30 minutes and one pan to make this dinner on a busy weeknight.
Vegan Hoppin' John
This vegan hoppin’ John is a meatless take on a South Carolinian Gullah/Geechee dish. The smoky plant-based meats and Cajun spices make this a flavorful meal.
Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe
This Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe is a spicy take on a creamy classic. The best of both worlds in one easy dish with Andouille sausage!
Cajun Salmon and Shrimp with Cream Sauce - Cooked by Julie
This Cajun salmon and shrimp is the ultimate weeknight meal! Tender and flaky salmon topped off with juicy shrimp and creamy Cajun sauce.
Cajun Chicken Alfredo | Creamy & Spicy Pasta
Cajun chicken alfredo from scratch is creamy & spicy! Made with homemade cajun seasoning & linguini noodles, it’s perfect for dinner at home!
Cajun Smothered Pork Chops (Whole30 & Paleo)
These Cajun smothered pork chops are easy to make and loaded with bold flavors! This one-skillet meal is great for any night of the week.
Vegan Jambalaya
This Vegan Jambalaya is healthy, nutritious, and easy to make! Filled with fresh vegetables and bold spices, this one-pot meal is a recipe the whole family will enjoy!
Authentic Homemade Creole Seasoning
No creole seasoning on hand? Don't worry, you can make your own so that any recipe can have that extra creole zest!
Crockpot Cochon de Lait
The delicious taste of cochon de lait served up at home!
Crawfish Pistolettes
These Cajun-inspired Crawfish Pistolettes are delicious pistolette bread rolls stuffed with a Crawfish Etouffee like filling and baked in the oven.
Pastalaya
Pastalaya is a Cajun masterpiece. Like Jambalaya only made with pasta instead of rice, this dinner is filled with chicken, pork and smoked sausage as well as the typical Cajun spices.
Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp
Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp. The ultimate air-fried cajun shrimp recipe. Delicious shrimp, cajun seasoning, and a few little extras. Perfect for a quick shrimp recipe in the air fryer.
Courtbouillon - Traditional Creole Fish Stew
Courtbouillon is a traditional Creole, roux-based, poached fish stew served over rice. It's thick and hearty and can be made with several types of fish.
New Orleans Fried Oyster Salad
Spicy and crunchy with a taste of the Gulf, New Orleans Fried Oyster Salad is an easy and delightful way to armchair travel!
Cajun Burgers
These Cajun-spiced Turkey Burgers are layered with olive salad and provolone on a bun to remind you of the classic muffuletta sandwich!