Print

Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Creamy, bold, and packed with flavor, this Blackened Shrimp Cavatappi combines tender shrimp, al dente pasta, sweet corn, and a rich parmesan cream sauce. A quick and easy dinner recipe ready in just minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or comforting family meals.

  • Author: Ella
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, Cajun-Inspired

Ingredients

8 ounces cavatappi noodles (cooked al dente according to package instructions)

1 pound large shrimp (raw, deveined, tail removed)

2 tablespoons blackened seasoning

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 cup (238 g) heavy cream

2 tablespoons tomato paste

¼ cup (57.5 g) sour cream

½ cup (50 g) parmesan cheese (grated)

1 can (15 ounces) sweet corn (drained)

Green onion or parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cavatappi and cook al dente according to package directions (about 8–9 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Season the Shrimp
Pat shrimp dry and season evenly with blackened seasoning.

Cook the Shrimp
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter.
Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 4–6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fully cooked and slightly charred.
Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet over medium heat, add heavy cream.
Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the pan.

Build the Cream Sauce
Reduce heat to low. Stir in tomato paste, sour cream, and parmesan cheese.
Continue stirring until parmesan is fully melted and sauce is smooth.

Combine Everything
Add cooked pasta, shrimp, and drained corn to the sauce.
Toss until everything is evenly coated.

Garnish & Serve
Garnish with chopped green onion or parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Use freshly grated parmesan for best melting results.

Shrimp cook quickly — avoid overcooking to keep them tender.

You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.

Frozen shrimp can be used; just thaw and pat dry before seasoning.

Find it online: https://elladishes.com/blackened-shrimp-cavatappi/