Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that brings together tender shrimp, a bold Cajun-spiced sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This one-pan meal is packed with smoky, spicy flavors and finished with a luscious creamy sauce that makes every bite irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Bold & Spicy: Cajun seasoning adds a smoky, slightly spicy kick.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: A creamy, indulgent pasta dish that tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level, swap proteins, or add veggies to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Cajun seasoning
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, diced
- Bell peppers, sliced
- Heavy cream
- Chicken or seafood broth
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Penne or fettuccine pasta
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the Shrimp: Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add garlic, onion, and bell peppers. Sauté until softened.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and broth, then stir in Parmesan cheese. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the pan, tossing to coat in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Protein Swap: Substitute shrimp with chicken, sausage, or tofu.
- Vegetarian Option: Use mushrooms or zucchini instead of shrimp and replace broth with vegetable broth.
- Extra Spice: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Lighter Version: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended due to the cream-based sauce.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to prevent the sauce from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them at the end to avoid overcooking.
What pasta works best for this dish?
Penne, fettuccine, or linguine hold the sauce well.
How can I make it less spicy?
Use a mild Cajun seasoning or reduce the amount added.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap heavy cream for coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese.
What vegetables go well in this dish?
Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes make great additions.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the shrimp and sauce ahead, but cook the pasta fresh for the best texture.
What can I use instead of Cajun seasoning?
A mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne works well.
Does this work with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?
Yes! Use your preferred pasta to suit your dietary needs.
Can I add sausage to this recipe?
Absolutely! Andouille sausage pairs perfectly with Cajun flavors.
What side dishes go well with Cajun shrimp pasta?
A simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement this dish.
Conclusion
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a rich, spicy, and satisfying meal that’s easy to make in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re craving a restaurant-quality dish at home or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this pasta delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. Enjoy it fresh with a squeeze of lemon for the perfect finishing touch!
Print
- Prep Time: 10 minute
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Description
This spicy, creamy Cajun shrimp pasta is packed with bold flavors, juicy shrimp, and a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta (or any pasta of choice)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season & cook the shrimp: Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sauté shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Make the sauce: Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same pan. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring until smooth.
- Add cheese & pasta: Stir in Parmesan and cheddar cheese, letting it melt into a creamy sauce. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat.
- Combine shrimp & serve: Return shrimp to the pan, mix everything well, and let it heat for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning for more or less spice.
- Substitute chicken or sausage if you prefer.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 days.
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