Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Spice up your dinner with this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe! Juicy shrimp, al dente pasta, and a rich Cajun-seasoned cream sauce make this a quick and flavorful meal your family will love.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet
- Tongs
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta fettuccine, linguine, or penne
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth or pasta water
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water and drain the rest. Set the pasta aside.
- Season the Shrimp:
- Toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, ensuring they're evenly coated.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and remaining Cajun seasoning (and smoked paprika, if using). Stir until smooth and creamy. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Serve:
- Plate the Cajun shrimp pasta and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.