Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Cajun Shrimp Pasta: A Bold and Creamy Southern-Inspired Dish

If you love bold flavors and creamy pasta dishes, this Cajun Shrimp Pasta is the perfect meal for you. Packed with tender, succulent shrimp coated in Cajun seasoning and tossed in a rich, creamy parmesan sauce, this dish brings a spicy Southern kick to your dinner table. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something special to impress your guests, this pasta is ready in just 25 minutes and delivers big on flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cajun Shrimp Pasta offers the perfect combination of creamy comfort and spicy heat. The shrimp are seasoned with Cajun spices, giving them a bold flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich, parmesan-infused cream sauce. The al dente penne pasta soaks up all the delicious sauce, making every bite satisfying and delicious. With its quick cook time and restaurant-quality results, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Pasta:

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 8 ounces penne pasta

For the Shrimp and Sauce:

• 1 pound raw shrimp, deveined, cleaned, and tails removed (pat dry with paper towels for best results)
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust if using store-bought to avoid excessive salt)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated from a block

Directions:

1. Prep and Cook the Pasta
   • Before you start cooking, gather and prepare all your ingredients.
   • Bring a large pot of water with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
   • Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the shrimp and sauce.
2. Cook the Shrimp
   • In a bowl, combine the shrimp with the Cajun seasoning and olive oil, tossing to coat evenly.
   • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add the shrimp in a single layer to the skillet and cook until golden brown on one side, about 2-3 minutes.
   • Flip the shrimp and cook for another 2-3 minutes until browned on the other side. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
   • Once the shrimp are cooked, transfer them to a clean plate and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
   • Reduce the heat of the skillet to medium. Pour in the heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
   • Allow the cream to bubble gently around the edges, then reduce the heat to low.
   • Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the cream and form a rich, velvety sauce.
4. Combine and Serve
   • Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet, stirring to coat them in the creamy Cajun sauce.
   • If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
   • Taste the sauce and add more salt, if needed.
   • Serve the pasta immediately and enjoy!

Recipe Notes:

• Customizing the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, use less Cajun seasoning or opt for a store-bought blend with a lower spice level. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
• Cheese Quality: For the best flavor, always use freshly grated parmesan cheese from a block. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
• Storage Tips: This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Calories: 450 per serving
• Servings: 4 servings

This Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a delicious and indulgent meal that’s bursting with flavor. The spicy, perfectly cooked shrimp paired with the creamy parmesan sauce creates a delightful contrast of tastes and textures. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is perfect for those nights when you want a comforting, gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Cajun Shrimp Pasta

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• Author: Dulcia
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

This Cajun Shrimp Pasta is the perfect combination of bold flavors and creamy textures. Tender, golden-brown shrimp are coated in a spicy Cajun seasoning, then tossed with al dente pasta in a luscious parmesan cream sauce. The dish is rich, flavorful, and finished with just the right amount of heat from the Cajun spices.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

To cook pasta:
1 tablespoon kosher salt
8 ounces penne pasta
To cook shrimp and sauce:
1 pound raw shrimp, deveined, cleaned, and tails removed (pat dry with paper towels for best results)
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (use this quantity if making a homemade blend; may be too salty if using store-bought)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated from a block

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Instructions

Prep and Cook the Pasta:
Before you start cooking, prepare all your ingredients.
Bring a large pot of water with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt to a boil.
Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Cook the Shrimp:
In a bowl, combine the shrimp with Cajun seasoning and olive oil, tossing to coat evenly.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and let it melt.
Add the shrimp in a single layer to the skillet. Cook until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook until browned on the other side, about 2-3 minutes per side. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
Transfer the cooked shrimp to a clean plate and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the heavy cream to the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the cream to bubble gently around the edges.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce.
Combine and Serve:
Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet, stirring to coat in the creamy Cajun sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Taste the sauce and add more salt, if needed.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 450