Description
Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and savory dish that combines juicy shrimp, Cajun seasoning, and a rich, flavorful sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and is ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound pasta (fettuccine or linguine)
- Water & salt (for boiling)
For the Cajun Shrimp:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 2-3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Boil salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
-
Sauté the Veggies:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions and bell peppers, sauté until soft (5-7 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
-
Cook the Shrimp:
- Add shrimp to the skillet and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes until shrimp turn pink. Remove from skillet.
-
Make the Sauce:
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and butter until melted.
-
Combine Everything:
- Add cooked pasta and shrimp back to the skillet, tossing to coat.
- Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp! This is the golden rule. Overcooked shrimp is tough and rubbery, and nobody wants that. Cook them just until they’re pink and opaque. They should still be slightly tender.
- Spice It Just Right The beauty of Cajun seasoning is that you can control the heat. Start with 2 tablespoons and taste as you go. If you’re feeling brave, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. Remember, you can always add more spice, but you can’t take it away!
- Fresh is Best (When Possible) While frozen shrimp works perfectly fine in this recipe, using fresh bell peppers, onions, and garlic will definitely elevate the flavor. If you have access to fresh ingredients, go for it!
- Garnish Like a Pro Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks; it adds a burst of freshness and a pop of color that really brightens up the dish. Don’t skimp on the garnish! A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese never hurts, either.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
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