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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a rich, spicy, and comforting dish featuring tender shrimp simmered in a luscious cream sauce infused with bold Cajun spices and tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners, this Southern-inspired recipe delivers a creamy texture with a zesty kick that’s sure to delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Protein

  • 1 lb fresh or frozen peeled shrimp

Pasta

  • 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta

Seasonings and Spices

  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, herbs blend)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: Hot sauce, to taste

Vegetables

  • 1 cup chopped bell peppers (red or green)

Dairy

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Oils and Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp: Season the peeled shrimp generously with Cajun seasoning and set aside to allow the flavors to infuse.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, following package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
  3. Sauté Vegetables and Shrimp: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped bell peppers and cook until softened. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook until they turn pink and are just done, taking care not to overcook.
  4. Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well and scraping up any flavorful bits from the pan. Let the sauce simmer gently until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. If too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to adjust consistency.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce and shrimp. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt, pepper, and additional Cajun seasoning if desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh shrimp for best texture; thaw frozen shrimp completely if used.
  • Do not overcook shrimp; remove from heat once they turn pink to keep them tender.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning gradually to control spice level.
  • Reserve pasta water to help loosen and bind the sauce.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for a smoother sauce texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp pasta, creamy pasta, spicy shrimp dish, quick dinner, Southern cuisine

Find it online: https://marycorner.com/creamy-cajun-shrimp-pasta/