Print

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 587 reviews

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender penne pasta with perfectly sautéed Cajun-seasoned shrimp in a rich, creamy tomato and parmesan sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal with a spicy kick and comforting texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz penne pasta

Shrimp

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided (or to taste)

Sauce

  • 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

  1. Cook Pasta: 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.
  2. Cook Shrimp: 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.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: 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.
  4. Make Sauce: 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.
  5. Combine and Serve: 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. Serve garnished with extra parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

  • You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to make this dish milder or spicier according to your preference.
  • Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor, but frozen shrimp thawed thoroughly works well too.
  • Reserve pasta water is handy for adjusting the consistency of the sauce, adding a silky texture.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese for added color and flavor.

Keywords: Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta, Cajun Shrimp Pasta, Creamy Shrimp Pasta, Spicy Shrimp Pasta, Easy Cajun Pasta

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/creamy-cajun-shrimp-pasta-recipe/