Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi: A Spicy, Creamy, and Flavorful Pasta Dish
If you’re looking for a meal that combines bold flavors, creamy textures, and a bit of a kick, this Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi is the perfect dish for you. The spicy blackened shrimp paired with the rich, creamy sauce creates an indulgent pasta dish that’s sure to impress. With a touch of parmesan, tomato paste, and sweet corn for added sweetness, this cavatappi recipe offers a balanced and flavorful meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi combines the delicious heat of blackened shrimp with a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats every curl of the cavatappi noodles. The addition of sweet corn provides a nice contrast to the spiciness, and the tomato paste adds a slight tang to the rich sauce. This dish is not only quick and easy to make, but it also delivers a restaurant-quality meal that will impress your family or dinner guests. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pasta dish is sure to become a favorite.
Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces cavatappi noodles, cooked al dente
- 1 pound large shrimp, raw, deveined, tail removed
- 2 tablespoons blackened seasoning
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 cup (238 g) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¼ cup (57.5 g) sour cream
- ½ cup (50 g) parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 can (15 ounces) sweet corn, drained
- Green onion, chopped, for garnish
Directions:
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cavatappi noodles according to package instructions, until al dente (usually about 8-9 minutes). Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Shrimp
- While the pasta is cooking, season the raw shrimp evenly with the blackened seasoning. Set aside until ready to cook.
- Cook the Shrimp
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp are fully cooked and pink. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce
- To the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Bring the cream to a low simmer, stirring and scraping up any browned bits left from the shrimp for extra flavor.
- Finish the Sauce
- Lower the heat to low and stir in the tomato paste, sour cream, and grated parmesan cheese. Whisk until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Let the sauce simmer gently for 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked cavatappi noodles, shrimp, and drained sweet corn to the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and shrimp are fully coated in the sauce.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and serve immediately for a delicious, comforting meal.
Recipe Notes:
- Adjusting the Spice: You can adjust the spiciness of this dish by using more or less blackened seasoning, or by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like extra heat.
- Shrimp Substitute: If you’re not a fan of shrimp, this recipe works well with chicken or even a plant-based protein like tofu.
- Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream to refresh the sauce.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 580 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4 servings
This Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi is a quick, easy, and flavor-packed meal that’s sure to satisfy your craving for something creamy and spicy. Whether you’re making this for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the heat of blackened shrimp with the comfort of a rich, cheesy sauce. Serve it up, garnish with green onions, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home!
Print
Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi is the perfect combination of bold, smoky shrimp and rich, creamy pasta. The spicy blackened seasoning on the shrimp adds an irresistible heat that perfectly balances the smooth, cheesy sauce coating the curly cavatappi noodles. The sweetness from the corn adds a delightful pop of flavor that enhances the overall dish. With every bite, you get a satisfying combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
8 ounces cavatappi noodles, cooked al dente
1 pound large shrimp, raw, deveined, tail removed
2 tablespoons blackened seasoning
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 cup (238 g) heavy cream
2 tablespoons tomato paste
¼ cup (57.5 g) sour cream
½ cup (50 g) parmesan cheese, grated
1 can (15 ounces) sweet corn, drained
Green onion, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Add cavatappi noodles to a pot of salted boiling water. Cook al dente according to package directions, usually 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Shrimp: While the noodles are cooking, season the shrimp evenly with blackened seasoning. Set aside.
Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through until the shrimp are fully cooked. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce: To the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add heavy cream. Bring the cream to a low simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Finish the Sauce: Lower the heat to low, then add tomato paste, sour cream, and grated parmesan. Stir until the parmesan is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and sweet corn to the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 580