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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp coated in smoky Cajun seasoning, tossed in a rich and velvety cream sauce, and served with your favorite pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners, it offers a delightful blend of spicy, creamy, and comforting flavors with an easy preparation.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Seasoning

  • 1 lb fresh peeled and deveined shrimp
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper blend)

Sauce and Aromatics

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Pasta and Garnishes

  • 8 oz pasta of choice (fettuccine or linguine recommended)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional: 1/2 cup diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp: Season the peeled and deveined shrimp liberally with Cajun seasoning. Heat butter and olive oil together over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Sauté shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside to avoid overcooking.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same pan used for shrimp, reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and gently bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach a silky consistency.
  4. Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the pan with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce and distribute the shrimp throughout. Let it heat together for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Do not overcook the shrimp; remove them once they turn pink to maintain juiciness.
  • Use fresh garlic and parsley for a noticeable flavor enhancement.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency without diluting flavors.
  • Adjust the spice level by adding more or less Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper according to your taste.
  • Simmer the cream sauce gently to avoid curdling and ensure smooth texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp pasta, creamy pasta, spicy shrimp, quick dinner, Cajun seasoning

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/creamy-cajun-shrimp-pasta/