Make restaurant-quality Cajun Shrimp Pasta at home. This recipe delivers bold, spicy Cajun seasoning mixed into a rich, creamy sauce. It is the fix for any bland pasta disaster.
Author:Clara Alena
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Dish
Method:Skillet and Stovetop
Cuisine:American (Cajun Inspired)
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 pound pasta (fettuccine or penne recommended)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning blend
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Season shrimp with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon of the Cajun seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Add onion and bell pepper to the same skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic and remaining 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and let it warm through, about 3 minutes. Do not boil.
Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth.
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss with the cooked pasta until everything is coated.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For an extra kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the cream mixture.
Ensure your Cajun seasoning blend is fresh for the best flavor.
Do not overcook the shrimp; they finish cooking in the sauce.