Go Back
To make Cajun shrimp pasta, gather these ingredients: - 8 oz linguine or fettuccine pasta - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients blend to create a dish full of flavor. The shrimp and pasta pair perfectly with the creamy sauce. Choosing a good Cajun seasoning makes a big difference. I often use brands like Tony Chachere's or Zatarain's. They deliver great flavor without being too spicy. You can also mix your own seasoning with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Experiment and find what works best for you! Want to elevate your dish? Here are some optional add-ins: - Spinach or kale for greens - Mushrooms for an earthy taste - Fresh lemon juice for brightness - Crumbled feta or goat cheese for tang These add-ins can enhance the dish's depth. Feel free to get creative and adjust based on your taste! Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water for flavor. Once the water bubbles, toss in the linguine or fettuccine. Cook it until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Drain the pasta and set it aside. A good tip is to save a bit of the pasta water. It helps if the sauce gets too thick later. In a medium bowl, put your peeled and deveined shrimp. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the shrimp. Make sure to coat each piece well. This will give the shrimp a nice kick of flavor. You can use your hands or a spoon to mix them. Let it sit for a few minutes so the flavors soak in. This step is key to making your dish pop. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sliced bell pepper to the pan. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes. You want the bell peppers to be soft. Next, add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway. They should turn pink and opaque. After that, stir in halved cherry tomatoes. Let them soften for about 2 minutes. Now, lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes. Mix in grated Parmesan cheese until it melts. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, add your cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated. If the sauce is thick, add a splash of pasta water. Now, your dish is ready to serve! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep shrimp tender, watch your cooking time closely. Cook shrimp for just 3-4 minutes. They should turn pink and opaque. Remove them from heat as soon as they change color. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. It's better to undercook slightly and let them rest. They will continue to cook in the hot sauce. For a creamy sauce, use heavy cream. It gives a rich texture that coats the pasta well. Stir the cream gently into the skillet. Heat it over low to prevent boiling. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of pasta water. This will help loosen it up. Parmesan cheese adds flavor and creaminess. Mix it in until it melts completely. Adjust salt and pepper to taste for perfect seasoning. For this dish, you need a few basic tools. Use a large pot for boiling pasta. A skillet is best for sautéing shrimp and veggies. A wooden spoon or spatula helps mix everything. Use a measuring cup for heavy cream and cheese. A good colander makes draining pasta easy. Having these tools ready will make cooking smooth and fun. Check out the Full Recipe for more details on each step. {{image_2}} You can make Cajun shrimp pasta even better with veggies. Try adding spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. These veggies bring a fresh taste and extra color. If you want, swap out the bell pepper for asparagus or broccoli. These choices add crunch and nutrients. You can also toss in some peas for sweetness. This way, you can make a dish that fits your taste. If you love heat, boost your Cajun shrimp pasta! Add more Cajun seasoning for extra spice. You can also toss in red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños. Mix them in with the shrimp while cooking. Another idea is to use spicy sausage with the shrimp. This gives a rich flavor and packs a punch. Just remember to taste as you go. You want to enjoy the heat, not burn your tongue! For a gluten-free version, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer these options now. They cook just like regular pasta, so no need to worry. If you want a low-carb meal, use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. These options keep the flavor but cut down on carbs. Just remember to sauté them lightly before adding to the sauce. This keeps them from becoming too watery. Enjoy a tasty meal that fits your diet! After enjoying your Cajun shrimp pasta, let it cool. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Don't forget to label it. This way, you know when to eat it. To reheat your pasta, use a skillet for even heating. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it creamy. Heat it over medium-low heat, stirring gently. This helps prevent sticking and drying out. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the bowl with a plate and heat in short bursts. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as you can. Label each bag with the date. For best taste, eat within two months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it as mentioned before for a tasty meal. Cajun shrimp pasta comes from Louisiana's Cajun culture. Cajun food blends French, African, and Spanish flavors. The dish shows a mix of spices and fresh seafood. The pasta adds a nice touch to this rich flavor. It is a great way to enjoy Cajun cooking at home. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15 minutes. This helps them cook evenly. Frozen shrimp can save time and are often just as tasty as fresh. To make this dish dairy-free, swap heavy cream for coconut milk or almond milk. You can also use dairy-free cheese instead of Parmesan. This keeps the creamy texture without the dairy. The Cajun spices will still give it a great flavor. For the complete recipe, including detailed steps, check out the Full Recipe. It has everything you need to make this tasty dish. This blog post covered everything you need for Cajun shrimp pasta. We looked at key ingredients, brands, and optional add-ins to amp up flavor. You learned to cook the pasta and season shrimp right. I shared tips to avoid overcooking and keep your sauce creamy. I also gave you storage methods and variations to suit your taste. Enjoy cooking your Cajun shrimp pasta and remember to have fun with it!

Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Indulge in a burst of flavor with this Cajun Shrimp Pasta Delight! This easy recipe combines succulent shrimp, vibrant veggies, and a creamy Cajun sauce for a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. In just 30 minutes, you can create a delightful meal that's perfect for any occasion. Dive into the full recipe now and bring a taste of the South to your dinner table! Click through to explore all the delicious details!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 oz linguine or fettuccine pasta

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Season the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.

      Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced bell pepper; sauté for 2-3 minutes until the bell peppers are tender.

        Cook the Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through until they turn pink and opaque.

          Add Cherry Tomatoes: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, allowing them to soften slightly, about 2 minutes.

            Create the Sauce: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring well. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, then mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

              Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the sauce and shrimp until fully coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.

                Serve: Plate the Cajun shrimp pasta in bowls, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4