Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta (Print)

Spicy Cajun shrimp and garlic parmesan sauce unite in silky pasta for an irresistible creamy dish.

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine

→ Seafood

02 - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Spices and Seasonings

03 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
04 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
05 - Salt, to taste
06 - Black pepper, to taste

→ Dairy and Cheese

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

→ Aromatics and Garnishes

10 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
11 - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

→ Oils

12 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

# Instructions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine or linguine and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.
02 - In a bowl, toss peeled and deveined shrimp with Cajun seasoning and paprika until each shrimp is coated evenly.
03 - Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until shrimp are pink and opaque. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.
04 - Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and minced garlic. Sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
05 - Pour in heavy cream, stirring gently. Let the cream come to a gentle simmer. Add grated parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
06 - Taste and season the sauce with salt and black pepper as needed, stirring to combine.
07 - Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the sauce. Toss until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the creamy sauce.
08 - Return the seared shrimp to the skillet. Gently fold the shrimp into the pasta and sauce until evenly distributed and warmed through.
09 - Transfer to serving plates and garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot.

# Pro Tips:

01 -
  • Ready in under 30 minutes to satisfy last minute cravings
  • Bold Cajun flavor paired with creamy parmesan sauce for the ultimate comfort
  • Crowd pleaser that tastes like restaurant quality yet uses simple ingredients
02 -
  • Shrimp cooks fast so they stay juicy when you avoid overcooking
  • This sauce is naturally gluten free except for the wheat pasta swap in gluten free noodles if needed
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully with a splash of extra cream
03 -
  • Get your skillet really hot before adding shrimp so they sear fast and do not turn rubbery
  • Let parmesan melt slowly into hot cream for the silkiest sauce
  • Save a bit of pasta cooking water to thin the sauce if needed
  • If you love the Cajun flavor do not be shy about increasing the seasoning add to taste

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