This Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a delicious and flavorful dish that makes an excellent meal for any occasion. Packed with juicy shrimp and tossed in a creamy sauce, it is sure to become a family favorite.
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If your family loves Cajun spices, then you will also want to check out this Cajun Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia and this Cajun Chicken and Rice. Both of these easy recipes make great meals.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Our Cajun Shrimp Pasta is restaurant-quality and easy to make at home.
- Made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- This Cajun shrimp and pasta recipe is easy enough for family dinner yet perfect for guests and Holiday dining.
Ingredient List
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- fettuccine (or your favorite pasta)
- large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Cajun seasoning
- olive oil
- unsalted butter
- minced garlic
- heavy cream
- grated parmesan cheese
- chicken broth
- smoked paprika
- crushed red pepper flakes
- salt and black pepper
- chopped parsley
Equipment
- 8 Quart Pasta Pot
- Colander
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
- Grater
Instructions
This is an overview of the recipe. The full instructions are below in the recipe card.
Make the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the salt and pasta, cook until the pasta is al dente. Drain pasta. Reserve some of the pasta water.
Make the Cajun Shrimp
- In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with the cajun seasoning until fully coated.
- Heat the oil and butter in a skillet. Add the shrimp and cook until pink. Once cooked, remove and set aside.
Make the Cajun Sauce
- In the same pan, add more oil and garlic, saute. Add cream, broth, cheese, and seasonings. Cook until slightly thickened.
- Lastly, add the pasta and shrimp to the creamy sauce and toss to combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Eileen's Tips for Success
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoother sauce texture. Pre-grated cheese can sometimes result in a grainy consistency.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp! They only need a few minutes per side until they are pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining. Adding a small amount of pasta water to the sauce can help create a silkier consistency and better coat the pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
The internal temperature of shrimp should reach 145°F for proper doneness. You can use a food thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked.
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even coconut milk for a unique flavor twist. Just keep in mind that this might slightly change the consistency of the sauce.
Variations
Do you want to change up this recipe? Here are some ways to change the flavor of this dish.
- Spice: Add extra Cajun seasoning, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Proten: This dish works wonderfully with chicken, sausage, or scallops for a different protein option.
- Vegetarian: Skip the shrimp and add hearty veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to make this a satisfying vegetarian meal.
Make-ahead, storage, and freezer tips
Storage - This Cajun shrimp pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
Freezer tips - You can freeze this dish for 2-3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
Serving Suggestions
If you ask me, there is no better side dish to pair with pasta than a slice of homemade garlic bread made with Instant Pot French Bread.
You can also serve this dish with a fresh, simple side salad such as this Wedge Salad recipe or Arugula Salad.
Similar recipes
Are you looking for ways to add more shrimp to your meal plan? Here are some of my family's favorite shrimp recipes:
See all our fish recipes here.
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Eileen xo
If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.
📖 Recipe
Cajun Shrimp and Pasta
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Equipment Needed:
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 4 quarts water (enough water to fill large pasta pot)
- 1 Tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
- 8 ounces fettuccine (or your favorite pasta)
For the Cajun Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp , peeled and deveined
- 1 Tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
For the Creamy Cajun Sauce:
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped parsley optional garnish
- 1-2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese optional garnish
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Instructions
How to make the pasta
- Bring a large pot of 4 quarts water and 1 Tablespoon salt to a boil. Cook 8 ounces fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
How to make Cajun Shrimp
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, toss 1 pound large shrimp with 1 Tablespoon Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Heat 1 Tablespoon olive oil and 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
How to make Creamy Cajun Sauce
- In the same pan, drizzle and heat 1 Tablespoon olive oil, add 3 cloves minced garlic, and saute for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup chicken broth (or reserved pasta water), ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon salt,and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Stir and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until fully coated. Return the shrimp to the pan and mix well. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the pasta water to loosen it up.
- Sprinkle with ¼ cup chopped parsley and 1-2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional garnish). Serve immediately and enjoy.
NOTES
● Use fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp will give you the juiciest texture. If using frozen shrimp, thaw and pat them dry before cooking for even seasoning and a good sear.
● Don’t overcook the shrimp. Shrimp cook fast, in 1-2 minutes per side. Overcooking makes them rubbery, so remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
● You can adjust the spice level. Cajun seasoning can vary in heat. For extra spice, add more Cajun seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes. To make it milder, use less seasoning and balance with extra cream.
● Use freshly grated Parmesan for a creamy sauce. Pre-shredded Parmesan contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly, creating a richer and creamier sauce.
● Reserve Pasta Water for the Sauce. Before draining the pasta, save ½ cup of pasta water. The starch helps loosen the sauce if it’s too thick and makes it cling better to the pasta. Tips & Variations:
- Make it spicier: Add more Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce.
- Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Protein swap: Try chicken or sausage instead of shrimp.
- Add Veggies: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients.
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