Zesty Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe That Ignites Your Taste Buds

Creamy pasta swirls dance with fiery cajun shrimp in this mouthwatering culinary adventure that promises pure comfort and bold flavors.

The robust blend of seasoned seafood and al dente noodles creates an irresistible harmony on your plate.

Fresh ingredients come together seamlessly, delivering a zesty kick that awakens every taste bud.

Each forkful promises a delightful explosion of southern-inspired spice and richness.

Home cooks adore this quick and simple recipe that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into extraordinary meals.

Robust spices and tender shrimp blend perfectly, ensuring a restaurant-quality dish you can easily prepare in your own kitchen.

Prepare to savor every single bite of this spicy, creamy sensation that will become your new dinner favorite.

Tools to Get Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Just Right

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta with plenty of water.
• Skillet: Crucial for cooking shrimp and creating creamy sauce.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking.
• Mixing Bowl: Used for tossing shrimp with seasonings.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring sauce and mixing ingredients.
• Cutting Board: For chopping parsley and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurate seasoning measurements.

Steps to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta from Scratch

• Boil Water Blast

Get a big pot and fill it with water. Toss in some salt for flavor punch. Crank up the heat until the water’s dancing with bubbles.

• Pasta Perfection

Drop those fettuccine noodles into the roaring water. Let them swim and soften for about 8-9 minutes until they’re tender but still have a little bite.

• Shrimp Sizzle

Mix shrimp with a splash of olive oil and a generous sprinkle of Cajun magic. Heat up a skillet until it’s super hot and ready to rock.

• Quick Shrimp Dance

Toss those seasoned shrimp into the sizzling pan. They’ll turn pink and curl up in about 2 minutes on each side. Scoop them out and set aside.

• Sauce Sensation

In the same pan, melt butter and add chopped garlic. Let it get fragrant and golden. Pour in cream and broth, stirring like you mean it.

• Cheese Charm

Sprinkle in Parmesan and watch it melt into creamy goodness. Toss in some cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor.

• Final Fling

Mix the cooked pasta into the dreamy sauce. Slide those perfectly cooked shrimp back into the party. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra cheese.

• Serve with Swagger

Plate up this spicy, creamy masterpiece and enjoy immediately. Grab some garlic bread on the side if you’re feeling extra fancy!

Ways to Customize Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Flavor

• Dial up or tone down the Cajun seasoning to match your heat tolerance, ensuring every bite delivers the perfect kick without overwhelming your palate.
• Prep components separately and store in airtight containers for up to 2 days, allowing quick assembly when hunger strikes without sacrificing flavor intensity.
• Replace shrimp with chicken, andouille sausage, or plant-based alternatives like tofu or tempeh for diverse protein options that maintain the recipe's signature Cajun spirit.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to create a luscious, creamy sauce that's completely dairy-free and equally delicious.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini during the sauce-making stage, creating a more substantial and colorful one-pan meal that packs extra nutrients.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Delight

• Fettuccine: Hearty noodle perfect for catching rich, creamy sauces and providing substantial texture to the dish.

• Shrimp: Sweet, tender seafood that absorbs Cajun spices beautifully; choose fresh, deveined shrimp for best flavor and convenience.

• Cajun Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper: Powerful spice blend that delivers authentic Louisiana-style heat and depth; look for high-quality, freshly ground spices for maximum flavor impact.

• Butter, Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: Creamy foundation that creates luxurious, silky sauce; select full-fat cream for richest texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds incredible umami and helps thicken sauce; opt for freshly grated for superior melting.

• Garlic, Cherry Tomatoes, Fresh Parsley: Vibrant ingredients that add layers of fresh taste and color; choose ripe, firm tomatoes and bright green parsley.

• Red Pepper Flakes, Onion Powder: Additional seasoning to customize spice level and enhance overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Helps coat shrimp and adds subtle fruity undertone.

How to Plate Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Beautifully

• Pasta Party Platter: Create a fun, shareable spread by arranging the creamy Cajun shrimp pasta on a large wooden board with extra garlic bread, fresh lemon wedges, and scattered parsley for a restaurant-style presentation.
• Zesty Side Companions: Complement the spicy pasta with a cool cucumber salad or tangy coleslaw to balance the rich, creamy sauce and provide a refreshing contrast to the Cajun flavors.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Serve with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the creamy sauce and enhances the seafood's delicate flavors, elevating the entire dining experience.
• Leftover Lunch Makeover: Transform remaining pasta into a chilled seafood pasta salad by adding extra fresh herbs, a splash of olive oil, and serving cold for a quick and delicious next-day meal.

Storing Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta for Future Meals

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Carefully separate sauce and pasta to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy noodles.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore sauce's creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure even heating.
• While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the sauce separately for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly, whisking to recombine ingredients.
• Prepare shrimp and sauce components separately during weekend cooking. Keep ingredients in sealed containers, allowing quick assembly of a restaurant-quality meal within 15 minutes on busy weeknights.

Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta dances with bold Louisiana flavors, blending succulent shrimp and rich creamy sauce. Crusty garlic bread and zesty seasonings complete this quick, restaurant-worthy dinner that satisfies deep comfort cravings.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup (237 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine (or pasta of choice)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) butter
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth (or seafood broth)
• ½ cup (100 g) cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a generously salted water vessel to a rolling boil, then immerse fettuccine, cooking until perfectly tender. Drain and reserve.
2. Shrimp Seasoning: Thoroughly coat shrimp with olive oil, Cajun spice blend, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
3. Shrimp Searing: Ignite a large skillet over medium-high flame, swiftly cook seasoned shrimp until they transform to a vibrant pink and become translucent, approximately 2 minutes per side. Extract and set aside.
4. Sauce Foundation: In the identical skillet, melt butter and introduce minced garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for half a minute.
5. Sauce Development: Stream heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, incorporating Cajun seasoning, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to simmer and slightly condense for 2-3 minutes.
6. Cheese Integration: Fold in Parmesan cheese until the sauce achieves a luxurious, smooth consistency. Optional: introduce cherry tomatoes and allow brief simmering.
7. Final Assembly: Delicately fold cooked fettuccine into the creamy sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Gently reintroduce seared shrimp, blending carefully.
8. Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan. Serve immediately alongside crusty garlic bread or a crisp side salad.

Notes

• Use freshly ground spices for more intense Cajun flavor and ensure even coating by massaging seasoning directly into shrimp.
• Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer for a thicker texture or adding extra broth if too dense, monitoring carefully to prevent burning.
• Cook pasta just until al dente, as it will continue absorbing sauce after mixing, ensuring perfect texture without becoming mushy.
• Modify Cajun seasoning intensity by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes and spices to suit personal heat preferences without compromising overall dish balance.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg