If you’re craving a creamy shrimp pasta with a little Cajun kick, this one comes together beautifully. Juicy shrimp, garlic, peppers, and Parmesan swim in a rich cream sauce, making this an easy seafood dinner that’s full of flavor and ready in just 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Cajun flavor. Cajun seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes bring real depth to the sauce.
- That creamy Parmesan sauce. Rich and smooth, it coats every strand of pasta.
- Colorful peppers and onion. They add sweetness and texture alongside the shrimp.
- Ready in 30 minutes. A comforting dinner that doesn’t take all evening.
Ingredients
- 450 g spaghetti or linguine
- 450 g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- ½ small onion, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
How to Make Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
1. Cook the pasta. Cook the spaghetti or linguine in salted water according to the package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. Season the shrimp. Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
3. Sear the shrimp. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and lightly browned. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
4. Cook the vegetables. Add the onion and red bell pepper to the same skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds.
5. Make the creamy Cajun sauce. Pour in the heavy cream and add the Italian seasoning. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, then stir in the Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Add the pasta. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until coated in the creamy Cajun sauce. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
7. Return the shrimp. Add the shrimp back to the skillet and gently toss everything together. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the shrimp are heated through.
8. Garnish and serve. Finish the creamy Cajun shrimp pasta with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot with plenty of creamy sauce.
Tips for the Best Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
- Don’t overcook the shrimp in the first sear. They’ll go back into the sauce briefly, so 2 to 3 minutes per side is enough.
- Save that pasta water. Adding it gradually helps you control the sauce’s consistency and gives it a silkier texture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce, since pre-shredded cheese can make it slightly grainy.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to taste. Use less for a milder dish or more for extra heat.
What to Serve with Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
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, fettuccine or penne would both work well in place of spaghetti or linguine.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking so they sear properly instead of releasing excess water.
Can I lighten up the sauce?
Half-and-half can be used in place of heavy cream, though the sauce will be a bit thinner and less rich.
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the spaghetti or linguine in salted water according to the package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and lightly browned. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
- Add the onion and red bell pepper to the same skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the heavy cream and add the Italian seasoning. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, then stir in the Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until coated in the creamy Cajun sauce. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
- Add the shrimp back to the skillet and gently toss everything together. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the shrimp are heated through.
- Finish the creamy Cajun shrimp pasta with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot with plenty of creamy sauce.