Cajun Shrimp Creamy Pasta (Printable version)

Spicy shrimp and creamy Cajun sauce tossed with peppers and pasta for a bold, flavorful southern-inspired dish.

# Ingredient List:

→ Seafood

01 - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Pasta

02 - 12 ounces fettuccine or linguine

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
04 - 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
05 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Dairy

07 - 3/4 cup heavy cream
08 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Spices & Seasonings

10 - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
11 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Other

14 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
15 - 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
16 - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
17 - Lemon wedges, for serving

# How to Make It:

01 - Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the fettuccine or linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water.
02 - Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer shrimp to a plate.
04 - In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and butter. Sauté red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and red onion for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
05 - Sprinkle with remaining Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Stir to combine and enhance flavor.
06 - Pour in chicken or vegetable broth and scrape browned bits from the pan with a wooden spoon.
07 - Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until sauce slightly thickens.
08 - Add cooked pasta to skillet and toss well to coat in sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the consistency.
09 - Return cooked shrimp to skillet. Toss to combine and heat through for 1 minute.
10 - Transfer to plates. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with fresh lemon wedges.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Uses easy to find pantry and fresh ingredients
  • Ready in just over half an hour making it perfect for busy nights
  • Packed with flavor thanks to Cajun seasoning smoked paprika and plenty of garlic
  • Customizable for different proteins pastas and spice levels
  • Both kids and adults request this countless times at our family dinners
02 -
  • Full of protein thanks to shrimp and high quality dairy
  • Satisfying and hearty dish with lots of veggies
  • Versatile enough to adjust spice level or switch up ingredients
03 -
  • Always reserve pasta water for adjusting sauce texture
  • Do not overcrowd the skillet when searing shrimp to avoid steaming
  • Taste as you go Cajun spices vary in saltiness and heat
  • Let butter and oil fully heat before sautéing for best flavor development

Go back