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Cajun Shrimp Pasta


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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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


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