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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a quick and delicious meal combining spicy, seasoned shrimp with a rich, velvety cream sauce that perfectly coats fettuccine or linguine. This dish balances bold Cajun spices with smooth creaminess, creating a comforting yet exciting flavor experience that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Seasoning

  • 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, herbs)

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta

  • 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
  • Salt for pasta water
  • Reserved pasta water, as needed

Garnishes

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Season and cook the shrimp: Coat the peeled shrimp evenly with Cajun seasoning. Heat butter in a pan over medium heat and sauté shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside to keep them tender and juicy.
  2. Prepare the pasta: Cook the fettuccine or linguine in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
  3. Build the creamy sauce: In the same pan, sauté finely chopped onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently, then stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
  4. Combine everything together: Add the cooked shrimp and pasta to the creamy sauce. Toss gently to coat all the noodles and shrimp evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
  5. Finish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta for a bright color and fresh flavor finish. Serve immediately, with optional extra Parmesan on top.

Notes

  • Season shrimp generously to ensure bold flavor throughout.
  • Use fresh shrimp when possible; if frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
  • Reserve some pasta water to help loosen and bind the sauce.
  • Cook shrimp last to avoid overcooking and a rubbery texture.
  • Do not skip Parmesan cheese, as it adds crucial depth and creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, spicy shrimp pasta, quick dinner, Cajun seasoning, seafood pasta, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/creamy-cajun-shrimp-pasta/