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Cajun Shrimp Pasta – A Flavorful Southern Classic

Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a bold, creamy, and spicy dish that combines tender shrimp, a velvety sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta with a signature Cajun spice blend. This dish fuses Southern Cajun flair with Italian comfort, creating a perfect balance of heat, richness, and depth that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian, Southern
Servings 4 servings
Calories 750 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Pot
  • Strainer
  • Knife & Cutting Board

Ingredients
  

For the Shrimp

  • 1 lb Shrimp medium or large, peeled and deveined (21-25 count per pound)
  • 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning divided (for shrimp and sauce)

For Cooking Shrimp

  • 1 tbsp Butter
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil

For the Creamy Cajun Sauce

  • 2 tbsp Butter for sauce
  • 1 Onion diced
  • 1 Bell Pepper sliced
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup Chicken Broth for deglazing
  • 2 cups Heavy Cream
  • 1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning for sauce
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated

For the Pasta

  • 12 oz Pasta fettuccine, linguine, or penne

For Garnish

  • Fresh Parsley chopped, for garnish
  • Green Onions or Red Pepper Flakes optional, for extra brightness
  • Lemon Wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
    Toss 1 lb of shrimp with 2 tbsp of Cajun seasoning. Let the shrimp marinate for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  • Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
    Heat 1 tbsp of butter and 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  • Step 3: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
    In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter. Add 1 diced onion, 1 sliced bell pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté until the vegetables are softened. Deglaze the pan with 1/2 cup chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in 2 cups heavy cream and 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and velvety.
  • Step 4: Cook the Pasta
    Boil 12 oz of pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  • Step 5: Assemble the Dish
    Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy Cajun sauce. Reintroduce the cooked shrimp and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
  • Step 6: Serve and Garnish
    Plate the Cajun Shrimp Pasta and garnish with fresh chopped parsley, green onions or red pepper flakes, and serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of brightness.

Notes

Cajun Shrimp Pasta perfectly marries the bold, spicy flavors of Cajun cuisine with the creamy indulgence of an Italian-inspired pasta dish. The key to its deliciousness lies in the balance of heat from the Cajun seasoning, the natural sweetness of the shrimp, and the richness of the sauce. Customize the spice level to suit your taste and enjoy this dish as a comforting yet sophisticated meal. Bring a taste of Louisiana to your kitchen and savor every flavorful bite!
Keyword Cajun Cuisine, Cajun Shrimp Pasta, Shrimp Pasta