Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with the richness of a creamy sauce. This pasta dish is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of spice and a lot of flavor. It’s a quick and easy meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Why We Love This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe
There are several reasons to love this Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta recipe. Firstly, it’s incredibly flavorful, combining the smoky heat of Cajun spices with the creamy texture of the sauce. Secondly, it’s versatile; you can adjust the spice level to your preference and even add vegetables or other proteins. Lastly, it’s quick to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients about Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Penne pasta – Penne is ideal for this creamy Cajun shrimp pasta because its ridges hold onto the sauce. You can substitute with rigatoni or fettuccine, but the sauce may not cling as well.
Large shrimp – Use peeled and deveined large shrimp for the best bite and flavor. Fresh or frozen (thawed) both work. If you prefer smaller shrimp, reduce the cook time slightly to prevent overcooking.
Olive oil – Used to sauté the shrimp and develop that Cajun-crisped exterior. Stick with extra virgin olive oil for a richer depth of flavor.
Cajun seasoning – The heart of this creamy Cajun shrimp pasta. It brings heat, smokiness, and bold spices. Use a store-bought blend or make your own to control the salt and spice level. Avoid substituting with Creole seasoning unless you’re aiming for a milder flavor.
Unsalted butter – Adds richness to the sauce and balances the spices. You can substitute with salted butter, but reduce any added salt in the recipe to keep the flavor balanced.
Garlic – Fresh minced garlic adds a sharp, aromatic base to the sauce. Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, but fresh garlic gives the best results.
Diced tomatoes – A small amount of tomatoes adds acidity and color to balance the cream. Canned diced tomatoes (drained) or fresh work equally well.
Heavy whipping cream – The key to a luscious, creamy sauce. Do not substitute with milk or half-and-half, or the sauce may turn watery or curdle.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Directions
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy whipping cream and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
Serve: Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
This dish is best served hot, straight from the skillet. You can pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also complements the creamy sauce well, allowing you to soak up every last bit of flavor.
Expert Tips: Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
- Adjusting Spice Levels: Cajun seasoning can vary in heat. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste, especially if you’re sensitive to spicy foods.
- Cooking Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done.
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce becomes too thick, use the reserved pasta water to thin it out. The starchy water helps maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.
- Cheese Selection: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and provides a richer flavor compared to pre-grated options.
How to Store Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
If you have leftovers, allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Stir until heated through. Note that reheating shrimp can sometimes lead to a tougher texture, so reheat gently.
Variation of Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
- Vegetable Additions: Enhance the nutritional value by adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Sauté them along with the garlic and tomatoes.
- Protein Alternatives: If shrimp isn’t your preference, you can substitute with chicken breast or tofu. Season and cook them similarly to the shrimp.
- Pasta Choices: While penne is used in this recipe, feel free to use other pasta shapes like fettuccine, linguine, or rotini based on your preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
It’s best to use raw shrimp for this recipe. Pre-cooked shrimp can become overcooked and rubbery when reheated.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of flour to achieve a similar creamy consistency.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Store them separately and combine with freshly cooked shrimp when ready to serve.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes along with the Cajun seasoning.
cajun shrimp pasta
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Pasta and Shrimp
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning divided
Cream Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 0.5 cup diced tomatoes
- 1.5 cups heavy whipping cream
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated, plus more for serving
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add diced tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and remaining 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Stir in grated Parmesan and bring to a simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water as needed to adjust consistency.
- Serve hot, garnished with more Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.