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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta combines tender shrimp, fettuccine, garlic, Parmesan, and a rich Cajun cream sauce. It is a bold and comforting dinner that comes together in only 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Shrimp
  • 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta cook until al dente
  • 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined; leave tails on if desired
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning store-bought or homemade
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing the shrimp
Creamy Cajun Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika optional, for color
  • salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
  • chopped fresh parsley optional
  • crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • fresh lemon juice optional
  • extra grated Parmesan cheese optional, for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs or wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the fettuccine or penne and cook until al dente according to the package directions, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  3. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
  4. Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a mixing bowl.
  5. Add the Cajun seasoning and toss until every shrimp is evenly coated.
  6. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  7. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until opaque, lightly browned, and cooked through.
  8. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a clean plate and set aside.
  9. Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet.
  10. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant and lightly golden.
  11. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth or reserved pasta water.
  12. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
  13. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and paprika, if using.
  14. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
  15. Continue stirring over low heat until the Parmesan is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  16. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss until every strand or piece is evenly coated in the Cajun cream sauce.
  17. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently fold it into the pasta.
  18. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes over low heat, just until the shrimp and pasta are warmed through.
  19. Serve immediately with chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, extra Parmesan, or a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.

Notes

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a rich and comforting dinner with tender shrimp, pasta, and a bold Parmesan cream sauce.
For additional heat, stir a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce before serving.
Avoid overcooking the shrimp. Remove them from the skillet as soon as they are opaque and lightly browned.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small splash of reserved pasta water or chicken broth.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded Parmesan.