Take your taste buds on a tantalizing Southern-inspired journey with this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta! Imagine tender, juicy shrimp cloaked in bold Cajun spices, swimming in a silky, garlicky cream sauce. All of it twirls together with perfectly cooked fettuccine or linguine, creating an irresistible weeknight dinner that’s both impressive and easy. This is the type Main Course.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll love how this bold and decadent pasta comes together from simple, everyday ingredients, each playing a major role in delivering creamy texture, vibrant color, and that signature kick. Gather these kitchen staples—every addition truly counts!
- Fettuccine or linguine pasta: These long noodles soak up the luscious sauce beautifully and twirl just right on your fork.
- Large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Shrimp are the star of the show, adding sweet, briny flavor and a tender, juicy bite.
- Cajun seasoning: Arguably the heartbeat of the dish, this blend brings smokiness, warmth, and a subtle heat—adjust it to suit your spice preference!
- Olive oil: Used to sear the shrimp to perfection, olive oil makes everything silky and flavorful.
- Butter: Adds rich, luxurious depth to the sauce and helps marry the flavors together.
- Garlic (minced): Three cloves are just enough for fragrant, savory goodness in every bite.
- Heavy cream: The key to that lush, creamy sauce you’ll want to mop up with bread.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, infusing each strand of pasta with nutty, salty complexity.
- Paprika: Adds beautiful color and a gentle warmth to the cream sauce.
- Black pepper: Just a touch to round out the heat from the Cajun seasoning without overpowering the dish.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed straight into the pan, lemon brightens everything up and cuts through the richness.
- Chopped parsley (for garnish): This fresh, green sprinkle on top is more than a garnish—it adds color and a little herbal snap to each plate.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a generous pot of salted water to a rolling boil before adding your fettuccine or linguine. Boil until wonderfully al dente, about 8-10 minutes, so the noodles hold up to the creamy sauce without getting soggy. Drain well and don’t forget to set aside about half a cup of that precious pasta water—it’s perfect for bringing everything together later.
Step 2: Season and Prep the Shrimp
While the pasta is cooking, toss your peeled, deveined shrimp in Cajun seasoning until every curve glistens with bold, spicy flavor. This is your chance to dial the heat up or down to suit your taste buds, so don’t be shy about customizing!
Step 3: Sear the Shrimp
Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Lay the shrimp in a single layer and let them sizzle for 2–3 minutes per side, turning just once as they turn plump and pink. Remove the shrimp promptly to avoid overcooking—they’ll finish their magic later.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter right into the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, then sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, paprika, and black pepper. Stir gently and simmer for 2–3 minutes as the sauce thickens to dreamy perfection.
Step 5: Toss Together and Finish
Add your cooked noodles straight to the skillet, swirling them right into the creamy mixture. If things look a bit thick, add reserved pasta water little by little—just enough to get that clinging, silky texture you crave. Turn the heat to low, return your shrimp and drizzle in lemon juice. Toss and heat everything through until the Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta looks glossy and irresistible.
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Garnishes
This pasta truly shines with a sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley, giving it a pop of color and an aromatic lift. Finish things with a final scatter of grated Parmesan or even a pinch of extra Cajun seasoning for those who love a little extra heat on top!
Side Dishes
Pair your Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with a crisp green salad dressed simply in lemon and olive oil, and maybe a slice of warm garlic bread to soak up extra sauce. Lightly roasted broccoli or asparagus also make fresh, vibrant sides that don’t fight the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopper presentation, pile the pasta into shallow bowls, twirling the noodles high and letting those gorgeous shrimp perch right on top. If you’re serving for a dinner party, try mini portions in cups for an elegant appetizer version—or serve family style from a big platter to invite seconds and sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To store leftover Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It’ll stay fresh and tasty in the fridge for up to two days, giving you an easy and delicious lunch the next day.
Freezing
While the creamy sauce is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this pasta in a pinch. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Be aware that the sauce may separate upon thawing, but a gentle reheat and thorough stir can bring it back together pretty well.
Reheating
To reheat Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta, place it in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring gently and adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as shrimp can get rubbery—low and slow is best for creamy, tender results.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta plays nicely with penne, spaghetti, or even short shapes like fusilli. Just remember to cook your chosen pasta until al dente for the best texture.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp work just as well—just thaw them thoroughly and pat dry before seasoning and cooking. This ensures the shrimp sear properly and the seasoning sticks.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can swap in half-and-half for a lighter sauce or even whole milk in a pinch, though the pasta may not be quite as thick or rich as traditional Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta. Stir in an extra handful of Parmesan if you want a cheesier finish!
How spicy is this dish?
That depends on your Cajun seasoning! Some store-bought blends pack quite a punch, while others are milder. Start with the recommended amount and taste as you go—add more if you love a big kick, or lighten up for tamer palates.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely. Try tossing in a handful of fresh spinach, sautéed bell peppers, or sliced sun-dried tomatoes. These extras not only boost nutrition but also add beautiful color and extra flavor to your Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that’s crowd-pleasing, diner-worthy, and oh-so-satisfying, this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is the answer. It’s a recipe to turn a weeknight into an occasion—so tie on your apron and treat yourself to this flavor-packed favorite soon!
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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a decadent yet simple-to-make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta that’s bursting with flavor. This Cajun-inspired dish combines succulent shrimp with a rich, creamy sauce over perfectly cooked pasta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Season and cook shrimp: Coat shrimp in Cajun seasoning, then sauté until pink and cooked through. Set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: Sauté garlic in butter, then add cream, Parmesan, paprika, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine: Toss pasta in the sauce, adding reserved water if needed. Add shrimp, lemon juice, and parsley. Heat through.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste based on spice preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
