Cajun shrimp pasta

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Intensity: ★★☆ (Moderate)

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🌶️ Introduction

When you’re in the mood for something creamy, spicy, and full of bold flavor, Cajun Shrimp Pasta is the answer. This dish combines tender shrimp sautéed in a smoky Cajun seasoning blend with silky pasta coated in a rich, garlicky cream sauce. It’s the perfect harmony of spice and comfort — a Southern-inspired meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes!

This recipe captures everything people love about Cajun cooking — deep layers of flavor, just the right amount of heat, and a satisfying creaminess that balances it all out. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this Cajun Shrimp Pasta will be a showstopper.

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🍤 Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade, recipe below)

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 8 ounces (225 g) fettuccine or linguine pasta

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup chicken broth (or seafood stock)

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

• Lemon wedges (for serving)

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🌿 Optional Homemade Cajun Seasoning Blend

If you’d like to make your own Cajun seasoning, mix together:

• 2 teaspoons paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (more for extra heat)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt

Store leftovers in an airtight jar for up to 6 months.

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🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes).
Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed. Drain and set aside.

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Step 2: Season and Sauté the Shrimp

While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss them in olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Sear the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate. (They’ll finish cooking in the sauce later.)

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Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter and add the chopped onion and sliced bell pepper. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant.

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Step 4: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce

Reduce heat to medium. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.

Stir in Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.

If it’s too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

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Step 5: Combine Pasta and Shrimp

Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy Cajun sauce. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and stir gently to combine.

Cook for another 1–2 minutes until everything is heated through and evenly coated in sauce.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.

Serve hot with warm garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This Cajun Shrimp Pasta stands strong on its own, but here are a few delicious pairing ideas:

• Garlic Bread: The buttery, crunchy texture perfectly complements the creamy sauce.

• Side Salad: Try a Caesar salad or a simple garden salad with lemon vinaigrette.

• Grilled Vegetables: Bell peppers, asparagus, or zucchini add extra color and nutrition.

• Wine Pairing: Serve with a crisp Chardonnay or a cold glass of Sauvignon Blanc to balance the spice.

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🧊 Storage and Reheating Tips

To Store:
Let the pasta cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To Reheat:

• Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

• Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until heated through.

To Freeze:
Although best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this pasta for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen after thawing overnight in the fridge.

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💡 Tips for Success

1. Don’t overcook shrimp. They only need a few minutes; overcooking makes them rubbery.

2. Use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly in the sauce.

3. Adjust the spice. For milder flavor, reduce the Cajun seasoning or omit cayenne.

4. Balance the heat. A splash of lemon juice or extra cream can tone down spiciness.

5. Make it lighter. Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use Greek yogurt for a healthier version.

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🥣 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

(Values may vary based on exact ingredients and brands used.)

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🕒 Recipe Timeline and Intensity

Total Active Time: ~25 minutes
Overall Effort: Moderate — Perfect for intermediate home cooks!

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💬 Final Thoughts

Cajun Shrimp Pasta is the definition of comfort food with a kick — it’s creamy, spicy, and packed with flavor in every bite. The Cajun seasoning infuses the shrimp and sauce with deep, smoky undertones that balance beautifully against the silky cream and tender pasta.