Cajun garlic butter shrimp with cheesy spaghetti combines seasoned jumbo shrimp, a cheddar and Parmesan sauce, and a lemon garlic butter finish. The shrimp cook separately from the pasta sauce, so you can control their texture while the cheese melts gently. It is a rich seafood pasta dinner with enough flavor to keep the side dishes simple.
Have the cheese grated, garlic minced, and seasonings measured before starting. Reserve the pasta water before draining the spaghetti; it helps bring the sauce and noodles together at the end. Jump to the recipe card for the measurements and complete cooking method.
Why This Cajun Shrimp Pasta Works
Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder give the shrimp a savory coating. The creamy pasta offers a contrast to that seasoning, while lemon and parsley freshen the buttery finish. Rather than simmering everything together, the recipe builds the shrimp, sauce, and final drizzle in separate stages.
This approach is particularly useful with cheese sauce. The skillet heat used to sear shrimp would be too aggressive for melting cheddar and Parmesan smoothly. Lowering the heat between stages gives you more control and helps prevent the garlic from scorching.
Ingredients for Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp with Cheesy Spaghetti
- 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
Ingredient Notes
Jumbo shrimp are easier to turn individually in the skillet. Thaw frozen shrimp according to their packaging, drain well, and pat dry before seasoning. Grate the cheeses before cooking so they are ready when the cream warms. Keep the measured butter divided for the shrimp, sauce, and finishing drizzle.
Cajun seasoning varies in salt and heat. Taste before adding extra salt, especially because Parmesan also seasons the sauce. For a milder dinner, use a mild blend and reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. These adjustments change the heat without requiring a different sauce.
How to Make Cajun Shrimp and Cheesy Spaghetti
1. Cook and Drain the Pasta
Cook the spaghetti in salted water until al dente, following its package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water before draining. Keep the noodles ready for the sauce rather than leaving them to sit while you measure the remaining ingredients.
2. Sear the Seasoned Shrimp
Season the dry shrimp with most of the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat the olive oil with 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Sear the shrimp for about 1–2 minutes per side, adjusting for their size, until cooked through. Transfer them out of the skillet.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce
Over medium-low heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add half the garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, then pour in the cream. Gradually stir in the cheddar and Parmesan until smooth. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce; you may not need the entire amount.
4. Combine and Finish
Toss the spaghetti with part of the cheese sauce and arrange it on a serving plate. Spoon over more sauce and add the shrimp. 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 this over the shrimp and pasta, then serve warm.
Tips for Smooth Sauce and Tender Shrimp
Add the cheese gradually and stir over gentle heat. If the sauce starts looking too thick to coat the spaghetti, loosen it with a little reserved pasta water before adding more cheese or raising the burner. The sauce should cling to the noodles rather than sit in a stiff mound.
Keep the shrimp out of the skillet while making the sauce. Returning them only for serving avoids cooking them through the entire sauce-making process. Prepare the finishing butter last, and have your serving dish ready so the pasta can go straight to the table.
Serving Ideas and Related Recipes
A lightly dressed salad gives a fresh contrast to the creamy spaghetti. Bread is optional rather than essential because the pasta already makes this a substantial meal. Offer extra lemon at the table if you like a brighter finish, and serve the shrimp over or beside the noodles.
For another Cajun dinner, try the shrimp and sausage seafood bowl, which uses a tomato-based broth instead of cheese sauce. If you want a crisp shrimp appetizer for another occasion, see the garlic Parmesan shrimp with creamy dip.
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 Shrimp and Cheesy Spaghetti Recipe Card
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.