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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

This creamy Cajun shrimp pasta combines juicy seasoned shrimp, garlic, red bell pepper, onion, Parmesan, and a rich cream sauce with spaghetti or linguine. Finished with fresh parsley and a little heat from red pepper flakes, it makes an easy seafood dinner packed with flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 persons
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun-Inspired
Calories: 780
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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
  • 1/2 small onion, diced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

Equipment

  • large pot For cooking the pasta
  • Colander For draining the pasta
  • large skillet For cooking the shrimp, vegetables, and sauce
  • Tongs or pasta server For tossing the pasta with the sauce
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula For stirring the sauce

Method
 

  1. Cook the spaghetti or linguine in salted water according to the package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. Finish the creamy Cajun shrimp pasta with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot with plenty of creamy sauce.

Notes

Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining so you can loosen the sauce as needed.
Season the shrimp evenly before searing for the best Cajun flavor.
Cook the shrimp only until pink and lightly browned, then remove them to prevent overcooking.
Sauté the onion and bell pepper until softened before adding the garlic.
Simmer the cream gently and stir in the Parmesan until smooth.
Add the reserved pasta water gradually until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
Return the shrimp at the end and heat only until warmed through.