Description
A quick and flavorful Cajun Shrimp Pasta combining succulent shrimp seasoned with bold Cajun spices, tender pasta, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers rich, spicy, and comforting flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 12 oz medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
Seasonings and Spices
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs)
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Vegetables (Optional)
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup diced onions
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining to help loosen the sauce later.
- Season the shrimp: In a bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with Cajun seasoning, ensuring each piece is well coated with the spicy blend before cooking.
- Sauté shrimp and aromatics: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside. In the same pan, sauté minced garlic, diced onions, and bell peppers until softened and fragrant.
- Create the creamy Cajun sauce: Lower the heat to medium and pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine with the sautéed vegetables. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce thickens slightly. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine shrimp, pasta, and sauce: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta and shrimp evenly. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and sprinkle of chopped parsley for brightness.
Notes
- Don’t overcook shrimp: Shrimp cook fast; remove from heat as soon as they turn pink to avoid rubbery texture.
- Adjust seasoning gradually: Add Cajun spice little by little to suit your heat preference.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts smoothly and enhances the sauce flavor better than pre-grated cheese.
- Reserve pasta water: It helps loosen and bind your sauce perfectly when mixed back.
- Cook pasta just right: Al dente pasta holds up well when tossed in creamy sauces without turning mushy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg