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.
