Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
This creamy seafood pasta brings a touch of elegance to your weeknight dinners without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Colander
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt for the pasta water
For the Cajun Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
For the Creamy Cajun Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper diced (red or yellow)
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning extra for the sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat
Instructions
Step 1: Cook 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 the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water. Set aside.
- Pro tip: Reserve the pasta water—it’s perfect for loosening the sauce if it gets too thick.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Shrimp
- Toss the peeled shrimp with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.
- Heat 1 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—shrimp cook faster and get a better sear when they have space.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add the onion and bell pepper, sautéing 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the extra Cajun seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes, stirring to combine.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Pro tip: Whisk continuously after adding cream to prevent lumps and create a silky sauce.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Shrimp
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat each strand.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet, mixing gently to combine.
- If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Divide the creamy Cajun shrimp pasta onto plates.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or extra Parmesan if desired.
- Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
Nutritional Value (per serving):
- Calories: ~520 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 4 g