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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Allow the sauce to simmer, gradually thickening and developing complex flavor profiles. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring until a luxurious, creamy consistency emerges.
- Optional: Gently fold in vibrant cherry tomatoes, permitting them to briefly dance in the simmering sauce for enhanced flavor integration.
- Delicately introduce the previously prepared fettuccine into the sauce, meticulously coating each strand with the rich, spicy cream.
- Reunite the perfectly seared shrimp with the pasta, gently folding to maintain their pristine texture and heat.
- Elevate the dish’s visual appeal by scattering fresh parsley and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan across the surface.
- 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