🍤 Cajun Shrimp Pasta
A spicy, creamy, and flavorful pasta dish that comes together quickly. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend meal.
📝 Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook pasta:
Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
2. Season and cook shrimp:
Toss shrimp with 1 tsp Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the sauce:
In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until soft (3–4 minutes). Stir in remaining Cajun seasoning.
4. Add liquids:
Pour in heavy cream and broth. Bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.
5. Combine:
Return shrimp to the skillet and toss with pasta until coated in sauce.
6. Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.
🍴 Tips
- Use peeled tail-on shrimp for presentation.
- Adjust spice level with more or less Cajun seasoning.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for brightness.
If you want, I can give a 30-minute Cajun Shrimp Pasta shortcut version that uses one skillet and minimal cleanup. It’s perfect for busy nights.
