Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe perfectly blends bold Cajun spices with tender shrimp and a luscious creamy sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it combines Southern zest with Italian comfort food, offering a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal ideal for weeknights or entertaining guests.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 12 oz medium or large shrimp, shelled and deveined

Pasta

  • 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta

Spices & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning blend
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy & Fats

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Vegetables

  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
  • 1/2 cup diced onions

Herbs

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep and Season the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and toss evenly with Cajun seasoning to coat all sides, ensuring every bite carries vibrant flavor.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water for the sauce if needed, then set aside.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and bell peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Cook the Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet with the vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and keep warm.
  5. Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to low and add the minced garlic to the skillet, cooking briefly until aromatic, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently, stirring often, until the sauce thickens to a silky, luscious texture.
  6. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked shrimp to the sauce, add the drained pasta, and toss everything together to coat thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use fresh or fully thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
  • Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubbery texture.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning gradually to control heat level.
  • Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese for superior flavor and sauce texture.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Southern Cajun / Italian Fusion
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free pasta is used)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 750 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 210 mg

Keywords: Cajun shrimp pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, Cajun pasta recipe, spicy shrimp pasta, quick shrimp pasta