Dinner

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Name: Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 8 oz penne pasta; 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided (or to taste); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 garlic cloves, minced; ½ cup diced tomatoes; 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Bylina moretti December 14, 2025December 14, 2025

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Introduction

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender shrimp coated in Cajun spices combine with a rich, cheesy sauce to create a satisfying meal that’s ready in just 25 minutes.

A black pan filled with a large bed of creamy orange fettuccine pasta, topped with seven large grilled shrimp with charred marks, arranged evenly around the pasta. The center of the dish has a small nest of pasta covered with white grated cheese and sprinkled with small green herb pieces, likely parsley. The pasta strands are thick and coated heavily with sauce, giving the dish a rich look. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz penne pasta
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided (or to taste)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup diced tomatoes
1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
½ cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve some pasta water before draining the pasta. Cover the cooked pasta to keep warm.
Step 2: Toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to coat evenly. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and sauté for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and cover to keep warm.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Step 4: Pour in the heavy whipping cream along with the remaining 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and grated parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
Step 5: Return the cooked shrimp and pasta to the skillet. Stir well to coat the pasta and shrimp with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Cook for an additional minute to heat through.
Step 6: Serve garnished with extra parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce.
Substitute penne with fettuccine or linguine for a different pasta texture.
Use fresh tomatoes when in season for a brighter flavor.
To make it gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free pasta.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving to prevent the sauce from separating.

How to Serve

A black round pan filled with thin pasta cooked in a creamy orange sauce, topped with seven large grilled shrimp around the edge, each with light grill marks and a slightly pink color. The middle layer has a small pile of white crumbly cheese sprinkled generously. Green chopped herbs are scattered all over the pasta and shrimp, adding a fresh touch. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sauté properly without excess water.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The Cajun seasoning adds a mild to moderate spice depending on the brand and amount used. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste or opt for a milder seasoning blend.