Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe
Cajun Shrimp Pasta with a spicy and rich cream sauce is a quick and easy dinner recipe that will satisfy your cravings for bold flavors in just 15 minutes. Imagine succulent shrimp coated in a flavorful Cajun seasoning, sautéed to perfection, and tossed with al dente pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This dish brings together the best of Cajun spices with a comforting, creamy finish, making it an irresistible meal for any night of the week.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or a special occasion, this Cajun Shrimp Pasta offers just the right amount of kick without overwhelming your taste buds. It’s an ideal recipe for those who love a little heat, and the creamy sauce balances the spiciness beautifully, creating a harmony of flavors in every bite. The combination of shrimp, Cajun spices, and parmesan cheese ensures that each forkful is full of deliciousness.
Whether you’re a fan of Cajun cuisine or just looking for a new pasta recipe to try, this dish is both versatile and easy to prepare. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can have a restaurant-quality meal ready to serve in no time. Pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread for an unforgettable dinner experience.
Key Ingredients That Make Cajun Shrimp Pasta Irresistible
- Shrimp – Fresh, deveined shrimp are the star of this dish. Their sweet flavor perfectly complements the spicy Cajun seasoning.
- Cajun Seasoning – The heart of the recipe, adding depth, spice, and an unmistakable Southern kick. Opt for a homemade blend to control the salt and spice levels.
- Heavy Cream – Creates the rich, velvety sauce that coats the pasta and shrimp, bringing everything together in creamy perfection.
- Parmesan Cheese – Finely grated to melt smoothly into the sauce, adding a nutty, salty dimension that balances the spice.
- Penne Pasta – Holds the sauce well, ensuring every bite is full of flavor. Use your favorite type of pasta, but penne is a classic choice for this dish.
Simple Steps to Your Perfect Cajun Shrimp Pasta
- Start by seasoning the shrimp with Cajun seasoning and a drizzle of olive oil, tossing to coat evenly.
- Boil salted water in a pot and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve some of the pasta water before draining.
- In a hot skillet, melt butter and cook the seasoned shrimp in a single layer until golden on both sides, then set them aside.
- Add heavy cream to the skillet, scraping up any stuck-on seasoning. Let it simmer gently before stirring in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine the cooked pasta and shrimp with the sauce, stirring to coat everything evenly. If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or extra cheese if desired.
Tips for Making the Best Cajun Shrimp Pasta
- Pat the shrimp dry before seasoning to ensure they cook to a perfect golden brown without excess moisture.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melting quality. Pre-grated cheese may not melt as smoothly.
- To reduce the spice level, decrease the amount of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes in your Cajun seasoning.
- Keep a close eye on the cream sauce to prevent it from boiling, which could cause it to break. A gentle simmer is ideal.
Delicious Variations to Try
For a different protein, try substituting the shrimp with tenderized chicken breasts or seared scallops. Both will provide a delicious twist on this classic recipe. To make it even more unique, consider adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
To keep your Cajun Shrimp Pasta fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce’s consistency. Heat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even reheating. Avoid overheating, which can cause the sauce to separate or the shrimp to become rubbery.
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- 12-inch cast iron skillet
- Stock pot
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 8 ounces penne pasta
For the Shrimp and Sauce:
- 1 pound raw shrimp cleaned, deveined, tails removed (pat dry with paper towels for best results)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning use less if using store-bought, as it may be saltier; see notes for details
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese preferably from a block; a microplane works best
Instructions
- Prepare all the ingredients before starting. Begin cooking the pasta around the same time as the shrimp to coordinate the timing.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with Cajun seasoning and olive oil, tossing to coat evenly.
- Fill a stock pot with water, add the salt, and bring to a boil over high heat. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta and cook until al dente. Before draining, reserve at least 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, add the butter to the preheated skillet and allow it to melt. Place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the skillet and cook until they turn golden brown on each side, turning only once. You may need to cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a clean plate and reduce the skillet heat to medium.
- Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, scraping the bottom with a flat wooden spoon to release any seasoning stuck to the pan. Allow the cream to bubble gently at the edges, then lower the heat to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce.
- Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. Taste and add extra salt, if needed.