Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta (Printable Version)

Shrimp in Cajun cream sauce with pasta for a bold, easy main that's ready in just 30 minutes.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Protein

01 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Pasta

02 - 12 oz fettuccine or linguine

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced

→ Sauce & Seasonings

06 - 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
07 - 1 cup heavy cream
08 - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
09 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
11 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
12 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

13 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
14 - Lemon wedges, for serving

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Boil pasta in a large pot of salted water following package instructions until al dente. Drain with a colander and reserve 1/2 cup of cooking water.
02 - Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss shrimp with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt, coating evenly.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
04 - Add remaining olive oil and butter to the skillet. Sauté onion and red bell pepper for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
05 - Stir in remaining Cajun seasoning. Pour in chicken broth, using a spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
06 - Add heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring until the sauce thickens.
07 - Return cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently to coat in the sauce. Mix in reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
08 - Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Remove skillet from heat and scatter chopped parsley over the dish.
09 - Transfer pasta to serving plates and accompany with lemon wedges.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Quick weeknight dinner ready in just 30 minutes
  • Big flavor from pantry-friendly Cajun seasoning and fresh vegetables
  • Creamy, luscious sauce without being heavy
  • Easy enough for beginners yet impressive for guests
  • Customizable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets
02 -
  • Cajun shrimp pasta offers at least thirty five grams of protein per serving
  • Naturally pescatarian and easy to adapt for gluten or dairy sensitivities
  • Leftovers taste even better after the flavors meld overnight
03 -
  • Always pat the shrimp super dry for the best sear
  • Do not allow the sauce to boil after adding Parmesan or it could become grainy
  • If your Cajun seasoning is very spicy start with half the amount and adjust to taste

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