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!