Our Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is ready in less than 30 minutes. It is full of juicy shrimp seasoned with the perfect amount of spicy Cajun flavors in a creamy sauce. This Cajun Shrimp Pasta tastes like your favorite restaurant meal, ready in just 30 minutes!”
For specific details on the recipe use the table of contents to click on sections of the recipe.
Jump to:
- Why this Cajun Shrimp and Pasta works
- Ingredient To make Cajun Shrimp Pasta
- Kitchen tools to make Creamy Cajun Pasta and Shrimp
- How to make Cajun Shrimp and Pasta
- Eileen's Tips for the best Cajun Shrimp and Pasta
- Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Pasta FAQs
- Change up the flavors of Cajun Shrimp
- Make-ahead, storage, and freezer tips
- What to serve with Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Pasta.
- More Shrimp and Cajun Recipes to Enjoy
- 📖 Recipe
- 💬 Comments
Why this Cajun Shrimp and Pasta works
- Our Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is restaurant-quality and easy to make at home.
- Easy Cajun Shrimp with Pasta is ready in 30 minutes.
- One Pan Cajun Shrimp and Pasta recipe is easy enough for a family dinner yet perfect for guests and Holiday dining.
- The spices can be adjusted to be mild or added, if you love spicy flavors.
Ingredient To make Cajun Shrimp Pasta
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- wide pasta noodle - fettuccini, bucatini, or pappardelle work well.
- 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
Kitchen tools to make Creamy Cajun Pasta and Shrimp
- 8 Quart Pasta Pot
- Colander
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
- Grater
How to make Cajun Shrimp and Pasta
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, and 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 and cooked through.
Set aside.
Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
- In the same pan, add oil and garlic, saute. Whisk in 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 the best Cajun Shrimp and Pasta
- 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.
Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Pasta FAQs
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.
Yes. Use a heavy bottom Dutch Oven. Saute the shrimp and keep them warm while cooking the pasta. Use the same Dutch oven for cooking the pasta and then the creamy Cajun sauce.
Change up the flavors of Cajun Shrimp
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. Our homemade blackened seasoning is also a great option for a spicy seasoning.
- Protein: The Cajun sauce pairs well with boneless chicken breasts or thighs , andouille sausage, keilbasa, or scallops for protein options.
- Vegetarian: Add hearty veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers to make this a satisfying vegetarian meal.
- Dairy: Half and Half or light cream can be used.
- Pasta: Gluten-free pasta, brown-rice pasta, cauliflower rice, and spaghetti squash are all great dietary options.
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 refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
What to serve with Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Pasta.
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.
More Shrimp and Cajun Recipes to Enjoy
Love Cajun spices? 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.
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.
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Creamy 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 wide pasta noodle note 1
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
Instructions
How to make the pasta
- Bring a large pot of 4 quarts water and 1 Tablespoon salt to a boil. Cook 8 ounces wide pasta noodle 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
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