Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Experience the vibrant flavors of Cajun Shrimp Pasta. Succulent shrimp, delicately spiced with Cajun flair, meet a creamy, tangy sauce enriched with red bell peppers, tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Paired with perfectly cooked pasta, every mouthful bursts with adventure, bringing restaurant style indulgence and heat to your dinner table.

I first tried this recipe when I was short on time but still wanted something special. Cajun Shrimp Pasta in a nice creamy sauce is quick to whip up in under 20 minutes and it hits every note of flavor with just the right amount of heat.

I use 8 oz uncooked pasta like linguine or fettuccine along with 1 lb shrimp that have been peeled and deveined. I then toss them with 2 tbsp of Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt and black pepper.

The dish gets a rich flavor from 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp butter, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 small diced onion and 1 red bell pepper. I also add in 1/2 cup diced tomatoes for a fresh touch.

In the sauce I blend 1 cup heavy cream with 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth, grated Parmesan and a hint of lemon juice. The meal is not only decadent but has a good balance of protein and healthy fats with a kick of spice similar to other popular versions.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe because it’s super quick and easy to make even when I have a lot going on. I love how the spicy Cajun seasoning mixes with the creamy sauce so its full of flavor without being too overwhelming. I also appreciate that the shrimp stays really tender and juicy and doesn’t get overcooked. Plus, tossing in onions, garlic, and red bell pepper makes it feel healthy yet indulgent. Overall, its a meal that always makes me feel like I’ve treated myself right.

Ingredients

• Shrimp offers lean protein and gives the dish a light, delicate seafood flavor.
• Pasta supplies energy-rich carbohydrates that make the dish hearty and filling.
• Cajun seasoning adds bold, spicy flavor which really ignites the meal with fun!
• Heavy cream lends a creamy, rich texture, making the sauce smooth and indulgent.
• Olive oil is heart-healthy and helps bring all flavors together real nicely.
• Garlic not only boosts taste but has natural antimicrobial properties to help health.
• Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami kick that intensifies the dish quot.
• Diced tomatoes contribute a burst of tanginess and color, balancing the creamy sauce.

Ingredient Quantities

• 8 oz uncooked pasta (linguine or fettuccine works great)
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional but recommended)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make this

1. Boil the pasta in salted water until it’s al dente, then drain and set it aside.

2. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.

3. Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Throw in the minced garlic, diced onion, red bell pepper and tomatoes. Sauté until the onions are soft and the bell pepper starts to get tender.

4. Add the seasoned shrimp to the pan and cook them until they turn pink, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Then take them out of the pan and set aside.

5. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth into the same pan, stirring constantly and let it come to a simmer.

6. Mix in the remaining 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Stir until the cheese melts in the sauce.

7. Put the shrimp back into the pan and let it cook another minute or two so all the flavors get together.

8. Toss the drained pasta into the sauce making sure every strand is well coated.

9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve right away. Enjoy your meal!

Equipment Needed

1. A large pot for boiling the pasta so you can get it al dente
2. A colander to drain the pasta once its done
3. A mixing bowl where you can toss the shrimp with the Cajun seasoning and spices
4. A large pan or skillet for sautéing garlic, onion, bell pepper and tomatoes, and cooking the shrimp
5. A cutting board and a sharp knife for dicing the onion, bell pepper and other veggies
6. Measuring spoons and a measuring cup for the Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, heavy cream and chicken broth
7. A wooden spatula or spoon to stir and mix the ingredients in the pan

FAQ

Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Cajun seasoning: If you don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand, try mixing paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme for a similar kick.
• Heavy cream: Out of heavy cream? You can stir together half-and-half with a little melted butter. It’s not perfect, but it works in a pinch.
• Chicken broth: If low sodium chicken broth isn’t available, vegetable broth can do the trick for a lighter flavor alternative.
• Parmesan cheese: Can’t find Parmesan? Romano or Asiago cheese are great substitutes that still bring a nutty flavor to the dish.
• Shrimp: If you’re not a fan of shrimp or need a change, try using scallops or even diced chicken for a twist on the classic recipe.

Pro Tips

1) Let the shrimp marinate in the Cajun seasoning for a few minutes before you toss them in the pan – that helps the flavor really sink in.

2) When you’re whipping up the sauce, keep it on a low simmer instead of a hot boil so your cream and cheese don’t split up or get weird.

3) Save a little bit of that pasta water and mix it in if your sauce seems too thick – it really helps everything blend together nice and smooth.

4) Be careful not to overcook the shrimp – they cook super fast and if you leave them in too long they’ll turn tough and rubbery.

5) If you want a bit more flavor, try adding an extra pinch of salt or lemon juice at the very end to brighten up the dish even more.