🍤 Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Dinner
A rich, creamy, and spicy Cajun shrimp pasta that’s ready in about 30 minutes! Juicy shrimp, tender pasta, garlic, Parmesan, and a flavorful Cajun cream sauce make this an easy restaurant-style dinner at home.
⏱️ Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~620 per serving
🛒 Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Pasta & Sauce
- 12 oz (340 g) penne or fettuccine
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup diced bell pepper
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach, optional
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. Season the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and toss them with Cajun seasoning.
3. Cook the Shrimp
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Add the minced garlic during the last 30 seconds.
Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. Build the Cajun Cream Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons butter.
Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes.
5. Add Parmesan
Lower the heat and gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
6. Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and cherry tomatoes to the sauce. Toss until completely coated.
Add the spinach if using and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted.
Return the Cajun shrimp to the skillet and gently toss everything together.
7. Garnish & Serve
Top with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Serve immediately while hot and creamy. 🍤🍝
🔥 Tips for the Best Cajun Shrimp Pasta
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
- For extra heat, add ¼–½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- A splash of pasta water helps loosen and emulsify the sauce.
- For even more flavor, use andouille sausage alongside the shrimp.
- If using salted Cajun seasoning, taste the sauce before adding extra salt.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw them completely and pat them very dry before seasoning.
What pasta works best?
Penne, fettuccine, linguine, and rigatoni all work beautifully.
Can I make this less spicy?
Absolutely. Reduce the Cajun seasoning and skip the cayenne or red pepper flakes.
Can I substitute heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, although the sauce will be slightly lighter and less rich.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes are excellent additions.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat it?
Reheat gently in a skillet over low-medium heat with a splash of milk, cream, or broth to loosen the sauce.
🍽️ Nutrition Per Serving
Approximate:
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 34 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fat: 29 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
Nutrition varies depending on the pasta, Cajun seasoning, cheese, and shrimp used.
