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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Bring a generously salted water vessel to a rolling boil, then immerse fettuccine, cooking until perfectly tender. Drain and reserve.
- Shrimp Seasoning: Thoroughly coat shrimp with olive oil, Cajun spice blend, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
- 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.
- Sauce Foundation: In the identical skillet, melt butter and introduce minced garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for half a minute.
- 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.
- Cheese Integration: Fold in Parmesan cheese until the sauce achieves a luxurious, smooth consistency. Optional: introduce cherry tomatoes and allow brief simmering.
- Final Assembly: Delicately fold cooked fettuccine into the creamy sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Gently reintroduce seared shrimp, blending carefully.
- 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