If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor and a touch of spice, this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is exactly what you need. Picture perfectly tender shrimp coated in a rich, creamy sauce with just the right amount of heat. It’s decadent, comforting, and has just enough of a kick to keep things exciting! Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or treating yourself to something special, this dish is sure to hit the spot. Trust me, it’s an absolute winner!
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Why You’ll Love Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
This recipe is all about bold flavors, effortless elegance, and a little bit of heat. Here’s why it’ll become one of your favorites:
Versatile: This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or an impressive meal to serve to guests. It’s the kind of dish that works just as well on a weeknight as it does for a special occasion.
Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in no time. It’s perfect for when you’re craving something flavorful but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Flavor-Packed: The Cajun seasoning brings a zesty, smoky heat that perfectly complements the creamy pasta sauce. It’s a balance of rich and spicy that’ll have you going back for seconds.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making dinner for yourself, this dish always gets rave reviews. It’s a perfect mix of comfort and flavor that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Here’s what makes this creamy pasta dish come to life—simple ingredients that combine to create a rich, mouthwatering meal:
Shrimp: The star of the show. Juicy, succulent shrimp make every bite of this dish irresistible.
Cajun Seasoning: This gives the shrimp a smoky, spicy kick that infuses the dish with tons of flavor.
Pasta: You can’t go wrong with your favorite pasta here. Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti all work beautifully with this creamy sauce.
Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and rich. It’s the base that ties all the bold flavors together.
Parmesan Cheese: The cheese adds richness and a salty, nutty flavor that takes the sauce to the next level.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic depth that complements the Cajun spice perfectly.
Butter and Olive Oil: These are the fats that bring everything together, creating a silky sauce that coats the pasta and shrimp just right.
Chicken Broth: To balance the richness of the cream and to add a little savory depth to the sauce.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get cooking and create this flavorful dish!
Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking your pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Be sure to drain it, reserving a little pasta water for later.
Prepare the Shrimp: Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Cook the shrimp until pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add a little more butter, then sauté garlic until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and let it reduce by half, scraping up any bits from the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, simmering until the sauce thickens up, about 3-4 minutes.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up. Finally, stir in the cooked shrimp and let everything warm through for another 1-2 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy: Dish out the pasta and shrimp, and sprinkle with additional Cajun seasoning or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Serve immediately, and enjoy this creamy, spicy masterpiece!
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few sides:
Garlic Bread: The perfect companion for scooping up that creamy sauce!
Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a nice balance to the richness of the pasta.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus or broccoli will add a pop of color and nutrition to your meal.
Additional Tips
Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:
Prep Ahead: You can season the shrimp and cook the pasta ahead of time, saving you a little work when you’re ready to assemble the dish.
Adjust the Heat: If you want a milder version, reduce the Cajun seasoning or swap it for a milder spice mix.
Dietary Adjustments: Make it dairy-free by using coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan, and substitute gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a little extra cream or chicken broth.
Double the Batch: This dish reheats wonderfully, so consider doubling the recipe for a meal you can enjoy all week.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A1: Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking.
Q2: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A2: Yes, any type of pasta will work well. Penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti are all great choices!
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a little cream or broth.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: While the shrimp might lose some texture when frozen, you can freeze the pasta and sauce mixture for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat.
Q5: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A5: Yes, you can cook the shrimp and sauce ahead of time, then just combine everything when ready to serve.
Q6: Can I make this dish spicier?
A6: Absolutely! Add some cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or extra Cajun seasoning to turn up the heat.
Q7: Can I add veggies to the pasta?
A7: Yes, feel free to add veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
Q8: What can I substitute for the heavy cream?
A8: You can substitute with half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a lighter option.
Q9: How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
A9: The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. They cook quickly, so be careful not to overcook them.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, just use a larger skillet or cook in batches. Adjust the cooking time if necessary.
Conclusion
This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is the kind of meal you’ll crave over and over again. It’s rich, flavorful, and packs just the right amount of spice. Whether you’re enjoying it for a quiet dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun/Creole
Description
This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta features succulent shrimp tossed in a spicy Cajun sauce, combined with al dente pasta and a rich, creamy base. It’s a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces (225g) pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup (25g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- Season the Shrimp:
- In a bowl, combine the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Toss the shrimp in the seasoning mixture until evenly coated.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing everything to heat through.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider adding sautéed bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper or using a milder Cajun seasoning.
- This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 200mg