Description
This Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a bold and creamy dish packed with succulent shrimp, smoky Cajun spices, and a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce. Tossed with tender pasta, this easy one-pan meal delivers restaurant-quality flavors in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or preferred pasta)
- 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)
For the Cajun Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional for extra smokiness)
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed for consistency)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for later.
-
Prepare the Cajun Shrimp:
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside.
-
Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add olive oil and butter.
- Sauté garlic, onion, and bell peppers for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
-
Combine & Serve:
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Spice Level Adjustment: Increase or decrease the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to control the heat.
- Protein Variations: Substitute shrimp with chicken, sausage, or tofu.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and dairy-free Parmesan.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta.
- Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth.
- Prep Time: PT10M
- Cook Time: PT20M
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: ~550 kcal
- Sugar: ~4g
- Sodium: ~850mg
- Fat: ~30g
- Saturated Fat: ~15g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~12g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~50g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Protein: ~30g
- Cholesterol: ~210mg
Keywords: Cajun Shrimp Pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, spicy shrimp pasta, one-pan pasta, easy shrimp recipes, Cajun recipes, spicy pasta, weeknight dinner, garlic Parmesan pasta