Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta – A Bold & Flavorful Delight

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a spicy, savory dish that delivers big flavor in every bite. Succulent shrimp are tossed with bold Cajun seasoning and coated in a rich, garlicky cream sauce, all served over tender pasta. It’s a restaurant-style meal that I can whip up easily at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this dish for its bold flavor, creamy texture, and quick preparation. The Cajun spices add just the right amount of heat, and the shrimp cook up in minutes, making this a perfect option when I want something impressive without a lot of effort. It feels indulgent but comes together in under 30 minutes, which makes it one of my favorite weeknight go-tos.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Large shrimp (peeled and deveined)

• Cajun seasoning

• Olive oil

• Butter

• Garlic (minced)

• Heavy cream

• Chicken broth

• Parmesan cheese (grated)

• Pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)

• Salt and pepper

• Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

• Lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Directions

1. I start by seasoning the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, making sure they’re well-coated.

2. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and sear the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink. I remove them from the pan and set them aside.

3. In the same pan, I melt butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant.

4. I pour in the chicken broth and cream, letting it simmer gently.

5. I stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.

6. Meanwhile, I cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain it.

7. I return the shrimp to the sauce, add the cooked pasta, and toss everything to coat evenly.

8. I season with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice, then garnish with parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so I can have it on the table in around 30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra texture and color. I’ve also swapped out shrimp for scallops or chicken when I want a change. For a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or I mix in a bit of Greek yogurt after turning off the heat.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I do it gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce smooth. I avoid overcooking the shrimp to keep them tender.

FAQs

How spicy is this Cajun shrimp pasta?

It has a noticeable kick, but I can easily control the heat by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning. I sometimes use a milder blend if I’m serving it to guests who prefer less spice.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, I just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking. That way, they sear properly without getting watery.

What kind of pasta works best?

I like using long pasta like fettuccine or linguine, but short pasta like penne works just as well—it’s really up to what I have in my pantry.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, I’ve made it with coconut cream or dairy-free heavy cream substitutes. The flavor changes slightly, but it’s still delicious and creamy.

Is Cajun seasoning the same everywhere?

Not quite. Different brands have varying levels of spice and salt. I always taste and adjust as I go to make sure the flavor is balanced.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is one of my favorite meals when I want something bold, rich, and satisfying. It’s fast to make, full of flavor, and always feels like a special treat. Whether I’m cooking for myself or entertaining guests, this dish never fails to impress.

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