Irresistible Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe for Dinner Magic

Spice lovers adore this creamy cajun shrimp pasta that delivers a flavor explosion in every bite.

Culinary magic happens when bold seasonings dance with tender seafood and silky sauce.

Zesty peppers and rich cream create an irresistible combination that feels indulgent yet balanced.

Southern comfort meets gourmet elegance through carefully selected ingredients and precise techniques.

Each forkful promises a journey through layers of complex, harmonious tastes that surprise and delight.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, this dish turns an ordinary evening into a celebration of bold, vibrant cuisine.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta: A Saucy Favorite

• Whips up a restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving delicious comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Delivers bold Cajun taste through layers of seasoning like smoked paprika, Cajun spice, and red pepper flakes, transforming ordinary pasta into an exciting culinary experience.
• Easily adaptable for different preferences by adjusting spice levels, swapping protein, or adding extra vegetables, making it a versatile dish that pleases everyone from kids to spice lovers.
• Minimizes kitchen cleanup with a single pan cooking method, reducing dish washing and simplifying the entire cooking process for maximum efficiency and minimal stress.

Ingredients for Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

• Fettuccine: A classic pasta that holds creamy sauces beautifully, perfect for capturing Cajun flavors.

• Shrimp, Chicken Broth: Lean protein adding rich seafood taste and depth to the dish, wild-caught or large shrimp recommended.

• Cajun Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: A powerful spice blend creating bold Cajun-style flavor profile, choose high-quality, fresh spices for best results.

• Heavy Cream, Butter, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy elements providing luxurious texture and rich taste, use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting.

• Fresh Parsley, Cherry Tomatoes: Bright, fresh elements adding color and additional flavor complexity, use ripe, firm tomatoes.

• Olive Oil: Helps coat and season shrimp, extra virgin recommended for better flavor.

Cooking Cajun Shrimp Pasta Without the Fuss

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

• Grab a large pot
• Fill with water
• Add salt
• Bring water to rolling boil
• Drop in fettuccine
• Cook until tender
• Drain pasta and set aside

Step 2: Season Shrimp Generously

• Shrimp
• Olive oil
• Cajun seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Toss shrimp with all seasonings in a mixing bowl until evenly coated

Step 3: Sizzle Shrimp

• Heat skillet to medium-high
• Cook shrimp 2 minutes per side
• Watch for pink and opaque color
• Remove shrimp from pan

Step 4: Create Dreamy Sauce

• Melt butter in same skillet
• Add minced garlic
• Cook until fragrant
• Pour heavy cream and chicken broth
• Stir in additional seasonings
• Simmer until slightly thickened
• Blend in Parmesan cheese
• Add cherry tomatoes if desired

Step 5: Combine and Serve

• Toss cooked pasta in sauce
• Gently mix in shrimp
• Sprinkle fresh parsley
• Top with extra Parmesan
• Plate immediately
• Enjoy with garlic bread or salad

Pro Tips for Rich Sauce and Perfect Shrimp

• Boost Cajun Seasoning Flavor: Create a homemade blend by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme for a more personalized and authentic taste profile.
• Perfect Shrimp Cooking Technique: Avoid overcooking by removing shrimp from heat when they turn pink and opaque, ensuring tender and juicy texture without becoming rubbery.
• Pasta Water Trick: Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to help thin out sauce if it becomes too thick, creating a silky and smooth consistency.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a delicious vegan-friendly version of the dish.
• Quick Meal Prep Hack: Marinate shrimp in Cajun seasoning mixture for 15-30 minutes before cooking to intensify flavor and allow spices to penetrate the seafood more deeply.

Reheating Shrimp Pasta Without Losing the Creaminess

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, where it can maintain quality for up to 2 months without losing flavor.
• Gently warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and maintain the sauce's creamy consistency.

Cajun Pasta Pairing Ideas to Try

• Select a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy sauce and cut through the spicy Cajun flavors, enhancing the shrimp's delicate taste.
• Serve warm, garlic-rubbed ciabatta or French bread to soak up the rich, creamy sauce, providing a perfect textural contrast and additional flavor dimension.
• Create a light, zesty side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette to refresh the palate and counteract the dish's richness.
• Prepare a quick lemon-herb cucumber salad that adds brightness and helps temper the Cajun spice, bringing a refreshing element to the creamy, indulgent pasta.

Spice It Up with Pasta Variations

• Gluten-Free Zucchini Noodle Edition: Replace fettuccine with spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that maintains the creamy Cajun flavor profile.
• Vegan Protein Swap: Substitute shrimp with roasted cauliflower or tofu, using coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a plant-based version.
• Dairy-Free Cream Sauce: Use coconut milk or cashew cream as a replacement for heavy cream, and swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative to accommodate lactose-intolerant diners.
• Protein Power Boost: Replace shrimp with grilled chicken or blackened salmon to provide an alternative protein option while keeping the signature Cajun seasoning and creamy sauce intact.

Cajun Shrimp Pasta Q&A

• What is Cajun seasoning and can I make it at home?

Cajun seasoning is a spicy blend of herbs and spices typically including paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne, and oregano. You can easily make your own by mixing these dried spices in equal proportions for a homemade version.

• How spicy is this Cajun Shrimp Pasta?

The spice level depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. For a milder dish, use less seasoning or choose a mild Cajun blend. For more heat, add extra red pepper flakes or use a spicier Cajun seasoning.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

While fettuccine works great, you can substitute with other long pasta like linguine or penne. Choose a pasta that will hold the creamy sauce well and complement the shrimp.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the components separately and store them in the refrigerator. Keep the pasta, shrimp, and sauce in separate containers and combine when ready to eat. Reheat gently to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sultry Cajun shrimp pasta whisks Louisiana’s bold flavors into a simple weeknight dinner that sizzles with zesty spice. Rich, silky sauce and plump shrimp create a mouthwatering melody you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta and Seasonings:

• 12 oz (340 grams) fettuccine (or pasta of choice)
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

Sauce and Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth (or seafood broth)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Bring a generously salted water reservoir to a rolling boil and submerge fettuccine, cooking until it reaches perfect al dente texture. Carefully drain the pasta, reserving it for later incorporation.
2. In a mixing vessel, thoroughly coat shrimp with olive oil and a robust blend of Cajun spices, ensuring each morsel is evenly seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked pepper.
3. Ignite a large skillet over medium-high thermal intensity, creating an ideal searing environment for the seafood. Swiftly cook shrimp, transforming them from translucent to a vibrant pink, approximately 2 minutes per side. Extract protein and set momentarily aside.
4. Without cleansing the skillet, reduce heat and introduce butter, allowing it to melt and create a fragrant base. Quickly introduce minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence for roughly 30 seconds.
5. Stream heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, whisking to create a harmonious liquid foundation. Enhance with additional Cajun seasoning, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a whisper of red pepper flakes.
6. Allow the sauce to simmer, gradually thickening and developing complex flavor profiles. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring until a luxurious, creamy consistency emerges.
7. Optional: Gently fold in vibrant cherry tomatoes, permitting them to briefly dance in the simmering sauce for enhanced flavor integration.
8. Delicately introduce the previously prepared fettuccine into the sauce, meticulously coating each strand with the rich, spicy cream.
9. Reunite the perfectly seared shrimp with the pasta, gently folding to maintain their pristine texture and heat.
10. Elevate the dish’s visual appeal by scattering fresh parsley and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan across the surface.
11. Serve immediately, accompanied by crusty garlic bread or a crisp side salad, ensuring maximum gustatory pleasure.

Notes

• Adjust Cajun seasoning levels to control spice intensity, catering to different heat preferences without overwhelming the dish.
• Swap shrimp with chicken or tofu for versatile protein options, making the recipe adaptable for various dietary needs.
• Use gluten-free pasta to transform the recipe into a celiac-friendly meal without compromising rich, creamy flavors.
• Select fresh, high-quality shrimp ensures optimal texture and prevents rubbery, overcooked seafood during quick cooking process.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg