Cajun shrimp pasta is a bold, creamy, and satisfying dish that brings together tender shrimp, smoky Cajun spices, and a rich, garlicky cream sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. It’s one of those meals that feels like restaurant quality but comes together in my kitchen in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s full of flavor and doesn’t require a ton of ingredients or time. The Cajun seasoning adds just the right kick, and when it’s paired with juicy shrimp and a velvety cream sauce, it turns a simple pasta dish into something seriously special. I can adjust the spice level to my liking and even switch up the pasta or protein if I feel like experimenting.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Cajun seasoning
- Olive oil or butter
- Garlic (minced)
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth (optional for thinning the sauce)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: diced tomatoes, spinach, parsley, red pepper flakes
Directions
- I season the shrimp generously with Cajun seasoning and a bit of salt.
- I cook the pasta according to the package directions, reserving a bit of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, I heat olive oil or butter over medium heat, then sauté the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. I remove the shrimp and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, I add more butter if needed, then sauté garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- I pour in the heavy cream and a splash of chicken broth (if using), and bring it to a low simmer.
- I stir in Parmesan cheese and more Cajun seasoning to taste, then let the sauce thicken slightly.
- I return the shrimp to the skillet and toss with the sauce, then add the cooked pasta and a bit of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- I garnish with fresh parsley, more Parmesan, or a pinch of red pepper flakes before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 15–20 minutes to cook, making it a perfect 30-minute meal.
Variations
- I sometimes add sautéed bell peppers or spinach for extra veggies.
- Using andouille sausage alongside the shrimp adds even more Cajun flavor.
- For a lighter version, I’ve used half-and-half or milk in place of heavy cream—just be sure to simmer gently.
- I swap out shrimp for chicken or scallops depending on what I have on hand.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to bring the sauce back to life. I avoid overheating the shrimp to keep them tender.
FAQs
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes, I simply reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild version. I can always add more heat at the end with hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
What’s the best pasta to use?
I usually go with fettuccine or linguine, but penne and bowtie pasta work well too—they hold the sauce nicely.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely. I thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking so they sear instead of steam.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but I’ve made it ahead and reheated with good results. I just store the shrimp and pasta separately if I can.
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
I make my own by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. It’s easy and customizable.
Conclusion
Cajun shrimp pasta is one of those dishes that feels like a treat but is quick and easy enough for any weeknight. The creamy, spicy sauce, tender shrimp, and comforting pasta make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—and once I made it, it instantly earned a spot in my regular dinner rotation.
Print
Cajun Shrimp Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Description
This Cajun shrimp pasta is a creamy, spicy, and flavor-packed dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes. Juicy Cajun-seasoned shrimp are tossed in a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce and served over tender pasta. It’s a quick and easy weeknight meal that tastes like restaurant-quality comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2–3 tsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup chicken broth (optional, for thinning sauce)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley, diced tomatoes, spinach, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tbsp oil or butter. Add shrimp and cook 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth (if using), bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan and more Cajun seasoning to taste. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Return shrimp to the pan. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
- Garnish with parsley, more Parmesan, or red pepper flakes before serving.
Notes
- Add bell peppers or spinach for extra veggies.
- Andouille sausage can be added for a heartier, spicier version.
- Use half-and-half for a lighter cream sauce.
- Homemade Cajun seasoning: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, pepper.
