Description
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta combines bold Cajun spices with succulent shrimp and a rich, velvety cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This dish offers a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and fresh seafood flavor, making it an irresistible comfort meal that’s quick, versatile, and ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 lb fresh peeled and deveined shrimp
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (paprika, cayenne, garlic, herbs blend)
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
Aromatics and Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnishes
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook your fettuccine or linguine in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss peeled shrimp with Cajun seasoning, ensuring every piece is well-coated to maximize flavor in every bite.
- Sauté Aromatics and Shrimp: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet, then sauté minced garlic and finely chopped onion until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook just until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side, then remove shrimp and set aside.
- Make the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and allow the sauce to thicken, stirring frequently until silky and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet, tossing to coat everything evenly in the spicy, creamy sauce. Let it cook together for a minute so the flavors meld perfectly.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan, then serve immediately for that fresh, irresistible meal experience.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor; avoid frozen when possible.
- Do not overcook shrimp to prevent rubbery texture.
- Toast Cajun spices briefly in the pan before using to deepen flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Finish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives to balance creamy spice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
Keywords: Cajun shrimp pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, spicy pasta, seafood pasta, weeknight dinner, easy Cajun recipe