Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Pasta

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta, ready in less than 30 minutes is a restaurant-quality dinner. Juicy shrimp seasoned with bold Cajun seasonings with a smooth creamy pasta sauce for for a quick weeknight meal that looks fancy but comes together faster than takeout

A large saute pan with Cajun shrimp and pasta.

Ingredients for Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Cajun shrimp pasta ingredients with text overlay

Wide pasta noodles: fettuccini, bucatini, or pappardelle work well. Gluten-free pasta, brown-rice pasta, cauliflower rice, and spaghetti squash are all great dietary options.
Large shrimp: You can use sea scallops as well
Homemade Cajun seasoning: If using Or use a store-bought Cajun seasoning, it can be salty, so taste before adding extra salt..
Olive oil (avocado oil can be used)
Unsalted butter: If using salted butter, reduce salt and add to taste.
Garlic Cloves: Use fresh garlic and mince it for optimum flavor. If unavailable, use garlic powder.
Heavy cream: This creates a silky sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Please use a block of cheese and grate it. Pre-grated cheese can make the sauce not smooth.
Chicken broth: Substitute vegetable stock or fish stock.
Smoked paprika: Recipe testing has proven the smokiness adds a lovely fragrance to the sauce, which is why I use it.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a little kick of spice.
Fresh Parsley: Garnish the pasta. Fresh parsley complements the Cajun flavors.

Why Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is Special

Our pasa sauce is sily and rich, made with heavy cream, a touch of smoked paprila and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to balance the Cajun spice.

My secret is pasta water. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. A splash or two loosens the sauce and helps it to cling to the pasta noodles.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Pasta in a large stock pot to make Cajun shrimp pasta.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add salt and pasta, and cook until the pasta is al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.

Make the Cajun Shrimp

A large mixing bowl with shrimp sprinkled with Cajun seasoning.

Toss the shrimp with the Cajun seasoning until fully coated.

Cajun seasoned shrimp sauteed in a pan to make cajun shrimp pasta.

Heat oil and butter in a large skillet. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and cooked through.
Set aside.

Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce

A saute pan with cajun cream sauce for shrimp and pasta.

In the same pan, add oil and garlic, sauté. Whisk in cream, broth, cheese, and seasonings. Cook until slightly thickened.

Cajun shrimp and pasta combined together.

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 make the sauce grainy.
Don’t overcook the shrimp. They only need a few minutes per side until pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta, FAQs and Troubleshooting

What should the internal temperature of cooked shrimp be?

The internal temperature of shrimp should reach 145°F for proper doneness. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even coconut milk for a unique flavor twist. Keep in mind that this might change the sauce's texture.

Can this be made in one pot?

Yes. Use a heavy-bottom Dutch Oven, sautè the shrimp, and keep warm while cooking the pasta. Use the same Dutch oven to cook the pasta and then the creamy Cajun sauce.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Frozen shrimp can be used for this recipe. Thaw the shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or follow the manufacturers instructions.

Make-ahead, storage, and freezer tips

Storage - Store leftover Cajun shrimp 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.

I don't recommend freezing this recipe because the cream will not defrost and reheat well.

Cajun shrimp over pasta in a large white bowl.

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

If you love this creamy, Cajun Shrimp pasta, you will also want to check out this Cajun Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia and this Cajun Chicken and Rice. Both recipes make great meals.

Looking for ways to add more shrimp to your meal plan? Here are some of my family's favorite shrimp recipes: