Hey y’all! I’m so excited to share my super simple and delicious Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe with you. This dish is packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen5.
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: Ready in about 30 minutes1.
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: Creamy, spicy, and savory – a taste bud party!5.
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: Make it as mild or wild as you like6.
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: Everyone loves a good pasta dish, and this one is a guaranteed hit.
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: Serve it on its own or with your favorite sides1.
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 20 minutes
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Serving size: 4-6 people
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8 oz penne pasta1
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined1
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1 Tbsp olive oil1
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2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided (adjust to taste)1
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2 Tbsp unsalted butter1
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2 garlic cloves, minced1
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1/2 cup diced tomatoes1
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1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream1
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving1
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2 Tbsp parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)1
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: Cook the penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Remember to save some of the pasta water for the sauce – it’s liquid gold! Drain the pasta and keep it warm1.
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: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning5.
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: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Don’t overcook them! Remove from the skillet and set aside1.
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: In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, until fragrant1.
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: Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes1.
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: Pour in the heavy whipping cream, the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and the Parmesan cheese. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly1.
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: Add the shrimp and pasta back into the skillet and stir until everything is coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out1.
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: Garnish with more Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and watch everyone devour it!1.
This Cajun Shrimp Pasta is fantastic on its own, but if you want to make it a complete meal, here are some of my favorite sides1:
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: Always a winner!1.
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: A classic pairing1.
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: Adds a healthy veggie boost1.
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: Light and refreshing1.
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: Simple and delicious1.
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: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your liking. Start with less and add more until you reach your desired heat level6.
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: Add bell peppers, onions, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor4.
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: Use a blend of Parmesan and Romano for a more complex flavor1.
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: Try it with crawfish or Andouille sausage for a true Cajun experience.
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: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream3.
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This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Just add the shrimp when you’re ready to serve2. -
I don’t recommend it. Cooking the shrimp with the spices infuses the flavor, and pre-cooked shrimp can become tough when reheated2. -
The cream adds richness and balances the spices, but you can try using half-and-half or milk for a lighter version3. -
Simply add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency1. -
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave2.
Enjoy this recipe, and let me know how you like it!
