Cajun Shrimp Pasta
This Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a spicy, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for seafood lovers. Juicy, tender shrimp seasoned with bold Cajun spices are tossed in a luscious creamy sauce and served over pasta, creating a meal that’s packed with zest and warmth. It’s quick, easy, and absolutely irresistible!
Get ready for a burst of flavor in every bite. From the smoky Cajun spices to the creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish delivers a comforting and spicy kick that’s perfect for dinner any day of the week.
This recipe combines the ease of a one-pan dish with restaurant-quality flavors. The Cajun seasoning perfectly complements the shrimp and pasta, while the creamy sauce ties it all together. Plus, it’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for entertaining.
Tools to Use:
- Large skillet
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Strainer
- Tongs
Ingredients:
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken or seafood broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Season and Cook the Shrimp:
- Toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add butter. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the chicken or seafood broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the remaining Cajun seasoning, paprika, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine.
- Serve:
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired.
Latest Recipes
- Buffalo Shrimp Pasta
- Oatmeal Cream Pie Cookies
- Chocolate Pecan Cookies
- Potatoes, Bacon, and Green Beans Casserole
- Spicy Beef and White Rice
Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Strainer
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning adjust to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken or seafood broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
- Red pepper flakes optional, for extra heat
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Season and Cook the Shrimp:
- Toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add butter. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the chicken or seafood broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the remaining Cajun seasoning, paprika, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine.
- Serve:
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired.
Tips for Cooking:
- For extra flavor, use fresh Cajun seasoning or make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and oregano.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp; they only need a couple of minutes to stay tender and juicy.
- Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes.
This Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors. It’s a quick, easy meal that feels like a treat and is ideal for satisfying those seafood pasta cravings. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress!
If you love bold flavors and creamy pasta dishes, this Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a must-try. With perfectly seasoned shrimp and a luscious sauce, it’s comfort food with a kick. Make it tonight and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home!
