Cajun Shrimp Scampi takes the classic Italian favorite and infuses it with bold Southern flavors. Tender shrimp are sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce spiked with Cajun spices, creating a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and just the right amount of spicy. Paired with pasta, it’s a quick and impressive meal that’s perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti, cooked al dente
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for garnish
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Medium pot (for pasta)
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Citrus juicer
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, season with Cajun seasoning, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the liquid simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the lemon juice and half of the chopped parsley. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine. Cook for another minute to heat everything through. Adjust seasoning with additional Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining parsley and lemon wedges.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.
- For an extra creamy variation, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream before tossing in the pasta.
Cajun Shrimp Scampi is a flavorful, vibrant dish that blends the best of Southern spice and Italian comfort. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion. Serve with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a restaurant-quality meal at home!
Cajun Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Spice up dinner with Cajun Shrimp Scampi! This bold and buttery dish features tender shrimp in a garlicky, spicy Cajun sauce, served over pasta for an unforgettable meal.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Medium pot (for pasta)
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Citrus juicer
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti cooked al dente
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, season with Cajun seasoning, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the liquid simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the lemon juice and half of the chopped parsley. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine. Cook for another minute to heat everything through. Adjust seasoning with additional Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining parsley and lemon wedges.
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