If you enjoy Cajun shrimp and creamy pasta, this is the kind of dinner that brings both together beautifully. Golden garlic butter shrimp sit alongside cheesy spaghetti, finished with a bright squeeze of lemon for a rich, satisfying seafood meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Cajun-seared shrimp. Every piece gets a deep golden sear and generous seasoning.
- That cheesy sauce. Cheddar and Parmesan melt together for a rich, creamy coating on the pasta.
- A finishing garlic butter drizzle. Ties the shrimp and pasta together with bright, buttery flavor.
- A restaurant-style presentation. Shrimp arranged around cheesy spaghetti makes for an impressive plate.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 5 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1½ tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp with Cheesy Spaghetti
1. Cook the spaghetti. Cook the spaghetti in well-salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining. Toss the hot noodles with a little of the butter to keep them loose.
2. Sear the Cajun shrimp. Pat the shrimp dry and season with most of the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat the olive oil with 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the cheesy sauce. Melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat. Add half of the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream, then gradually stir in the cheddar and Parmesan until smooth. Add reserved pasta water as needed to make the sauce creamy and easy to toss.
4. Build the shrimp spaghetti. Toss the spaghetti with part of the cheese sauce and arrange it on a large serving plate. Spoon extra sauce over the pasta, then arrange the Cajun shrimp around the spaghetti.
5. Finish with garlic butter. Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter with the remaining garlic, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, parsley, and a pinch of the remaining Cajun seasoning. Spoon the garlic butter over the shrimp and around the cheesy spaghetti. Finish with cracked black pepper and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Cajun Shrimp with Cheesy Spaghetti
- Don’t overcook the shrimp. One to two minutes per side is enough for jumbo shrimp; they’ll turn rubbery if left too long.
- Use freshly shredded cheese. It melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese, which can make the sauce grainy.
- Save the pasta water. It helps loosen the cheese sauce and gives it a silkier texture.
- Make the garlic butter last. Preparing it right before serving keeps the flavors bright and fresh.
What to Serve with Cajun Shrimp and Cheesy Spaghetti
A simple side salad or garlic bread pairs nicely, since the pasta itself is rich and satisfying on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, linguine or fettuccine would both work well in place of spaghetti.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat very dry before searing so they brown properly instead of releasing excess water.
Can I make this less spicy?
Yes, simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and use a milder Cajun seasoning if you prefer less heat.
Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp with Cheesy Spaghetti
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the spaghetti in well salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining. Toss the hot noodles with a little of the butter to keep them loose.
- Pat the shrimp dry and season with most of the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat the olive oil with 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Sear the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium low heat. Add half of the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream, then gradually stir in the cheddar and Parmesan until smooth. Add reserved pasta water as needed to make the sauce creamy and easy to toss.
- Toss the spaghetti with part of the cheese sauce and arrange it on a large serving plate. Spoon extra sauce over the pasta, then arrange the Cajun shrimp around the spaghetti.
- Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter with the remaining garlic, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, parsley, and a pinch of the remaining Cajun seasoning. Spoon the garlic butter over the shrimp and around the cheesy spaghetti. Finish with cracked black pepper and serve warm.