Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

      Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The succulent shrimp, combined with a creamy sauce and bold Cajun spices, delivers a delightful kick to every bite. It’s creamy, spicy, and satisfying, a combination that’s sure to please everyone at the dinner table.

This dish stands out because of the unique balance between the richness of the cream sauce and the heat from the Cajun seasoning. The shrimp, seasoned to perfection, pair wonderfully with the pasta, making it a filling yet indulgent meal. It’s an easy and quick recipe, ideal for a weeknight dinner, and the leftovers are just as delicious.

If you enjoy a bit of spice, Cajun Shrimp Pasta is sure to satisfy your cravings. But don’t just stop there, try other flavorful seafood dishes like Shrimp and Grits, Blackened Salmon, or Crawfish Etouffee for more delicious, zesty meals. Add this recipe to your rotation for a quick, comforting, and flavorful dinner that will have your taste buds begging for more!

Quick and Easy for Busy Weeknights:

      Cajun Shrimp Pasta is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and delicious dinner. With its easy preparation and minimal steps, you can have a flavorful meal on the table in no time.

The secret of this dish lies in its simplicity. There’s no need for precise measuring or chopping, making it super convenient. In just 10-15 minutes, you’ll have a complete dinner, as the shrimp cooks while the pasta boils.

All you need to do is follow the pasta package instructions and sauté the shrimp in a large skillet over medium-high heat. In the time it takes to cook the pasta, your flavorful, hearty meal will be ready to enjoy, no hassle, just great food.

Equipment:

• 12-inch cast iron skillet
• Stock pot
• Mixing Bowls

Ingredients:

To cook pasta

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 8 ounces penne pasta

To cook shrimp and sauce

• 1 pound raw shrimp deveined, cleaned, tail removed (best results if patted dry with paper towels)
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning *see note below, use this quantity if making my homemade seasoning blend; may turn out too salty if using store bought
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese finely grated from a block (a microplane works best); pre-grated or not real authentic parmesan won’t melt as nicely

Instructions:

1. Prep Ingredients: Before cooking, gather all your ingredients. Add the pasta to the boiling water around the same time you begin cooking the shrimp.
2. Season Shrimp: In a bowl, combine 1 pound of raw shrimp with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Boil Water: Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt to a pot of water and bring it to a boil. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Cook Pasta: Add 8 ounces of penne pasta to the boiling salted water and cook until al dente. Before draining, reserve at least 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
5. Cook Shrimp: Once the pasta is added to the water, melt 1 tablespoon butter in the skillet. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook until golden brown on both sides, turning only once. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches. Once done, transfer the cooked shrimp to a clean plate and reduce the heat to medium.
6. Make the Sauce: Add 1 cup heavy cream to the skillet and scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon to release any stuck seasoning. Let the cream bubble around the edges, then reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and allow it to melt.
7. Combine: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce needs thinning, add the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the salt, if needed.
8. Serve: Once everything is mixed and creamy, serve your Cajun Shrimp Pasta hot, and enjoy!

Notes

• Salt Level: I highly recommend using my homemade Cajun Seasoning Mix. If you opt for a store-bought Cajun seasoning, which often contains more salt than my blend, start with a small amount, taste, and adjust accordingly. My seasoning mix is purposely lower in salt, so you may need to add extra salt to your serving based on personal preference.
• Cajun Seasoning: To adjust the heat level, simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• Protein Variations: Feel free to swap the shrimp with other proteins, like flattened tenderized chicken breast or wild-caught scallops. Both are delicious alternatives!
• Parmesan Cheese: For the best result, grate the cheese from a block using a microplane, as it will melt instantly in the cream. If using pre-grated cheese, try to mince it as finely as possible for quicker melting.
• Doubling the Recipe: You can click the 2x button to automatically scale the ingredients for a larger batch. I often double this recipe to feed my hungry family of four, with plenty of leftovers! If you double the recipe, use 4 tablespoons of my homemade Cajun seasoning for the perfect flavor balance.

The Perfect Combination of Spices:

      The distinct flavor of Cajun Shrimp Pasta comes from the perfect combination of spices. The homemade Cajun seasoning, which includes smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion salt, herbs, and black pepper, adds just the right amount of heat and complexity without overwhelming the dish.

One of the best things about this seasoning blend is that you can adjust the heat level to match your preference. Whether you like a mild kick or a fiery punch, it’s easy to make this dish work for anyone’s spice tolerance.

Pro Tip:

      Cajun seasoning is known for its spiciness, primarily due to the inclusion of cayenne pepper. You can always adjust the level of heat in this dish by adding more or less Cajun seasoning according to your taste. Keep in mind that different brands of Cajun seasoning can vary in spiciness, so you may want to start with a smaller amount and taste as you go. If you’re looking for an extra kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes will add that extra heat you desire.

A Creamy Sauce that Makes the Difference:

      The creamy Alfredo sauce is what truly elevates this Cajun Shrimp Pasta. Made with rich ingredients like heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and butter, it creates a velvety, indulgent sauce that perfectly coats the penne pasta and shrimp. The creaminess balances out the heat from the Cajun seasoning, making each bite both spicy and smooth. It’s the kind of sauce that sticks to the pasta, making every forkful irresistible.

Tender Shrimp:

      One of the highlights of this recipe is the succulent shrimp, which is perfectly complemented by the Cajun spice. The seasoning enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness while adding just the right amount of heat. Each bite is a burst of flavor, making the shrimp the star of the dish, alongside the creamy sauce and al dente pasta.

If you’re a fan of Creole-flavored seafood, don’t miss my Instant Pot Jambalaya and Blackened Salmon recipes too! They’re packed with bold flavors that will satisfy your cravings.

Versatility in Ingredients:

      Cajun Shrimp Pasta is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your taste and dietary needs. Feel free to swap out the pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options for a healthier twist. You can also add a variety of colorful veggies, such as green and red bell peppers or diced tomatoes, to boost the dish’s freshness and flavor. For an extra depth of taste, try incorporating andouille sausage, which pairs wonderfully with the Cajun spices.